Studebaker was known for getting as much mileage as possible out of a concept. For example, there was the Hawk series of automobiles produced from 1956 to 1964. There were no fewer than eight iterations, plus the Starliner that inspired it. The seller has a 1957 Golden Hawk project plus two parts cars, though one of the donor vehicles looks to be in better physical shape. Located in Stanwood, Washington, you can have all three for $6,000 here on craigslist.
It appears as though the seller rescued a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk that was in danger of rusting away. And the primered roller in the photos may be a 1956 Sky Hawk, which was also a hardtop, but it had no rear tailfins while the Golden Hawk took full advantage of them. The 1957 Golden Hawk used a 289 cubic inch Studebaker V8 with a supercharger because the 352 Packard engines employed in the ‘56s were no longer in production. We’re not sure what the third car the seller refers to may be, as the photos don’t tell the story in chronological order.
Most Studebakers never saw the production numbers of the main competition in Detroit. The 1957 Golden Hawk had 4,356 examples roll off the assembly line, so the survival rate today puts one in rare territory. One of the pics shows the 289 being extracted from the Golden Hawk, so we assume it’s still part of the package and probably needs to be rebuilt. The seller is disposing of this trio due to declining health.
Assuming restoring the Golden Hawk instead of the Sky Hawk is still the goal, the buyer will have his or her work cut out for them. Because the rear sheet metal is different, what parts will you be able to successfully move from one car to the other? The seller describes this ensemble as a “frame-off project car with two parts cars.” Rust is prevalent in one case but maybe non-existent with another. Spare parts are included when you come with multiple trailers to haul your acquisitions away. BTW, a nod goes to “Curvette” for another vintage tip!
It’s sad the sellers health is forcing them to get rid of a hobby they have probably been working on for awhile, I know these cars were fast for their time I hope the seller gets their asking price and their health improves
Love these Hawks! I don’t think Studebaker gets enough credit for the design and production of these great cars. The 289 was a great motor and top it with the supercharger and you had a beast of an engine for the time. I hope someone picks these up and restores at least one of them. Just don’t see these around much, sad because they are such cool cars.
Yes the cars are somewhat rare but, how long has it been since you’ve seen a 4 foot long floor jack or car lift like that one?
I think the fins and hood/grille detract from the beauty of the original design of Ray Lowey
I agree about the tail fins. The hood and grill look good to me
Ok….but they were just trying to keep up with the other makes….it was the times……
The finless car appears to also be a Goldie, not a sky hawk. The fins are detachable. On the original add you can see the outline of the fins with a rust hole underneath. They appear to have been removed for rust repair. The hood is also a Golden Hawk with the raised fiberglass panel to clear the McCullough super charger. The grill ornament is from a 58 Golden Hawk, a common addition to a 57. Altogether, a reasonably priced start for a great car.
Haven’t seen a center post lift in a while!
better hope the center post tank never goes bad or you have an environmental mess on your hands just like these cars
Oh, Lort. =/
The Studebaker clubs are a great source of help and motivation.
My mom had a 56 Power Hawk. It was a good car which I (sadly) abused mercilessly. If I were younger I’d consider this project. There’s a lot to be done, but it looks like, with enough time and money, there’s enough to end up with one really nice Stude. GLWTS
Yep….think the total for all three years of the GH was under 5000….first year around 2500, then maybe close to that and the last year….somebody help me….you could build it as just a driver and not a toatl resto and maybe just maybe recoup some money selling off the extra GH stuff…..
Golden Hawk production
1956: 4,071
1957: 4,356
1958: 878
Total: 9,305