Being an “independent” automobile manufacturer in the middle of the 20th Century was tough. American Motors and Studebaker-Packard both knew how hard it was to compete, both the result of mergers in the 1950s. One of Studebaker’s most enduring but struggling products was its line of Hawks, which were offered in a variety of trim, performance, and body styles from 1956 to 1964. This 1960 Hawk, a pillared sedan, is a survivor-like vehicle that’s had a lot of mechanical work done in recent years. From North Dallas, Texas, the seller is looking to trade it for $21,000.
Depending on the year and marketing plan, the Hawks carried a variety of names. Golden Hawk, Silver, Hawk, Power Hawk, Flight Hawk, Gran Turismo Hawk, Packard Hawk, and just plain Hawk. The latter is the nameplate on the seller’s 1960 edition which presents quite well though it has a few scratches and scrapes it has earned over the past 60+ years. Sales of the 1960 Hawk weren’t spectacular at 4,280 copies.
As the story goes, this Hawk was first sold in California and eventually migrated to Texas. It has a 289 cubic inch V8 engine which should be rated at 240 hp. The Studebaker comes with a 3-speed manual transmission, so it should be fun to drive at 73,000 miles. It has overdrive and air conditioning, which may be aftermarket given the under-the-dash hardware. The body looks good overall, and the interior is quite tidy.
The seller indicates a long list of work done over time designed to improve the car. That includes the radiator, crankshaft seals, exhaust, clutch and transmission, rear axle bearings, brakes, and a lot more. This should be a solid vehicle for weekend drives, and you can find out more about this old Studebaker here on craigslist. What are you waiting for?
As Russ mentions, this car has had a lot of work done which should make this a reliable runner. My ’57 Silver Hawk was very similar to this, but with the same engine, a 4 bbl carb, and dual exhausts, it was rated at 225 HP, so I’m not sure where the 240 HP figure quoted above comes from.
You are correct, sir. Engine choices for the ’60 Hawk were the standard 2-barrel 289 with 210 hp or an optional 4-barrel 289 with 225 hp, both with 8.5:1 compression. No 240 hp 289 until the 1963 R1 (4-barrel, 10.25:1 compression; standard on Avanti, optional on Hawks and Larks). Stude did not publish horsepower ratings for Avanti engines, but car mags estimated the R1 produced 240 hp.
Studebaker designers, notably Dick Teague, working hard on a shoestring budget trying to save Studebakers sinking ship. Same with Packard. Believe Teague designed the beautiful Cathedral tail lights introduced in 55 for Packard. Last Days In The Bunker tells the story of Packards last stand. If only proposed merger of Nash, Hudson, Packard and Studebaker had been completed, it would have provided a strong competitor for the big three. BUT, even the big three are no longer really as BIG.
A beautiful car. Do we ever get tired of looking at these?
I have knowledge of this vehicle from day one. It has been treated with loving care all its life. I purchased it from the original owners estate in San Francisco.