The Gran Turismo (GT) Hawk was the last evolution of the Hawk series that began in 1956. As a grand touring coupe, the GT Hawk borrowed styling cues from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Ford Thunderbird, and Lincoln Continental. They were built between 1962-64 and assemblies stopped when Studebaker shifted its last-gasp production to Canada. This 1962 is a project car, sans both an engine and transmission. As a roller, it’s in Anna, Texas, and available here on eBay where it can be had for just $2,000 (or less if you make the right offer). Hats off to Larry D for another great find!
Although budgets were tight at Studebaker, the GT Hawk was the result of a successfully executed facelift, with both European and American styling influences. The grille made it look like a Mercedes, the thick C-pillars were reminiscent of the T-Bird, and the tail section was not unlike a Lincoln in appearance. As a result, the car was a nice departure from the earlier Hawks that had 1950s-style tailfins. Across three model years, just 14,000 or so GT Hawks were built, with more than half in 1962. The earlier cars ended up having upholstery of inferior quality that helped soil the car’s otherwise good reputation, helping to lead to fewer sales when Studebaker desperately needed more.
The 1962 Hawk came with a 289 cubic inch V8 with either 2-or-4-barrel carburetion and a mixture of transmission options. Because neither are present in the seller’s car, we don’t know what was there when it left the factory 60 years ago. The seller acquired this car more than five years ago planning to do a restoration that has yet to happen. So, he’s decided someone else should have that honor.
New to the car when the seller bought it was the wiring harness, but no further work has taken place. The body has some small patches of rust but appears to be mostly solid overall. A plethora of parts will come with the Studebaker, but that does not mean that it’s complete, so there could very well be two of some things and none of others. This could be a $25-30,000 car when properly restored.
Been SOME time since I’ve seen (or noticed) kick panel air vents.
Nice looking car.
I have seen this Model converted to GM Style Hot Rod in British Columbia. I am sure for around 15 – 20 K USDA. Nice Crusie
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I have seen this Model converted to GM Style Hot Rod in British Columbia. I am sure for around 15 – 20 K USDA.
Lots of potential here for not a big number. Build it how you like but, be prepared for an increase in numbers on the back end of this Hawk. I like it.
This is a good deal. This car holds a lot of promise for a fair price. I converted a 1959 Silver Hawk (same chassis and basic body as this one) to a Chevrolet V-8 and ended up with a very nice driving & performing car. Honestly, if the car wasn’t so far away, I’d have it in my shop!
LS FEVER
4l60
Custom looks real good on these cars
I might make a bid on this Hawk. I have a 289 V-8 that I pulled from a Lark police car. No way i would put any other make of engine under the hood. All that is needed to make this Hawk happy would be to put a 4bbl and an Avanti cam. These engines can come alive for not many bucks.i have driven Studebakers for about 56 years and I have owned 4 GT Hawks and several finned Hawks
They are a fine driving car because they put the engine further back in the frame.
Besides the above mentioned Chevy V8s, what other engines were commonly dropped into these cars?
At the risk if triggering some , any diesel engine could be dropped in it
The possibilities are endless as there is plenty of space in the engine bay
Good idea, Claudio! It could burn french-fry oil and get great mileage! A VW diesel would fit nicely in this.
Should be nice with a 7 liter Jag V12…
Cadillac power was relatively common back when. This car appears to have a lot of rot in the usual spots.
French fry oil , i had forgotten about those , GREAT idea
Going green with an antique
Someone forgot to include the rear seat center armrest when the seat was re-upholstered [in a non-original material]. In looking at the various small parts in the boxes, & most appear to be non-Studebaker items. S-W tach is not original [has black outer rim].
Studebaker 289 engines are fairly easy to find in good running sedans, but it’s important to make sure it’s a 289 and not the 259, as they look identical. Same with the Borg-Warner automatic — easy to find.
Already sold; auction ended with “best offer”.
Already sold; auction ended with “best offer”.