The Gran Turismo Hawk (or GT Hawk) was the final evolution of the Studebaker Hawk series that began with the Golden Hawk in 1956. The most elegantly styled of the Hawk models, it was built between 1962-64 with production ceasing at the end of calendar 1963 when Studebaker stopped building cars in the U.S. This two-owner automobile has just 57,000 miles and has been sheltered for most of its life. In good running condition, it’s in White Bluff, Tennessee, and available here on craigslist for $9,500. Thanks for the heads up on this one, Pat L.!
When the GT Hawk was developed, Studebaker took the older Hawk shape and restyled it with more of a European look which was also was similar to the Ford Thunderbird of the day. The hood received a more pronounced upright radiator frame that resembled the Mercedes-Benz. It became much more of a touring car and the interior attributes were kicked up a notch. In my humble opinion, these were the most attractive of the Hawk autos. and just 13,881 were built over three model years. Sales were negatively influenced by the continuing rumors of Studebaker’s financial health and the arrival of the Avanti in 1963. Along with the Avanti, the GT Hawk did not make the move from South Bend, Indiana to Hamilton, Ontario when Studebaker consolidated production in 1964-66.
The seller’s GT Hawk is one of 4,009 built-in 1963. From what we can tell, it’s a nice car, but the lack of good photos doesn’t help. We’re told it’s a nice running machine, so why not pull it out of a dark garage and take lots of pics in the daylight? In its nearly 60 years on Planet Earth, the Stude has only been owned by two parties, which usually suggests a higher level of care and maintenance. The body appears to be sound, there is no mention of rust, and the newer black paint may be shiny and presentable in the daylight. What little we see of the interior looks okay, too, and is also said to have been replaced.
Under the hood should reside a 289 cubic inch V8 engine that would have produced 240 hp when new. It does not have the supercharger that was available from the Avanti parts bin. The motor is paired with an automatic transmission and there is evidence of air conditioning for the comfort of the auto’s passengers. If this car is as nice as it seems, this isn’t crazy money for a car you don’t see very often anymore. And you didn’t see that many of them when new, either.
Nice engine pictures. Wonder if there is a complete car attached to it. Parts pictures do nothing to answer that question.
Looks like could be a good value. Have to agree with Russ why not pull it out of the garage for some better pictures, but it’s craigslist and the money is fair.
As I recall, supercharger or AC was an either-or proposition from the factory on these. The Supercharger would go right where the AC compressor is mounted. (When I was young I’d probably want the supercharger, today I’d prefer the air conditioning!)
Stoodabaker hoch
He’s really outa sight!
Stoodabaker hoch
He treats the flies all right
Stoodabaker hoch
That’s why they never bite, hey!
fz
Looks like a 2 barrel engine which be 210 HP. the 240 HP engine was a R1 Avanti engine. A standard 4 barrel was 225. To bad there are not better pictures or I would be on the way to TN.
It’s amazing what Studebaker did with limited finances to update the Hawk from the original 1953 design.
BTW, Why would the seller use such awful exterior shots?
While I must admit, my heart beats a little faster for the ’53 Starliner, this GT Hawk does much to prove that Studebaker built some good looking cars while in their death throes! This is actually the first Hawk I’ve seen of any type that I wasn’t repulsed by!
Very reasonable price… maybe. Why do people have such limited, poor photos to advertise. Really a shame, and such a limited description.
Normally I’d be interested in this car, but I guess I’m just as lazy as the poster.
A good way into the hobby. Looks like a car you can drive, with some replacements of wear parts, take it on a long long ride, like The Great Race.
I have owned several GT Hawks, all them 62’s.i love the way they ride and handle. It doesn’t appear that it has power steering or power brakes from wht little shows from these poor pictures. I doubtt that the bank would loan me any more money for more Studebakers as the last 2 Avanti’s I bought didnt’t make me any money but I didn’t lose any. A detailed interior shot or two would be nice.
WayneC,
It’s got power steering. if you look closely at the engine photo, just to the right of the radiator hose can be seen the round top of the power steering hydraulic fluid reservoir, with the center thumbscrew to hold the lid in place.
In 1969 my best friend bought a beautiful one-owner, green 1963 GT Hawk, with the R-1 engine, Twin-Traction rear, power steering, power disc brakes, and B-W automatic trans. It was rust free and had been garaged all it’s life. He paid $550.00 for the car. I ended up with it years later. In the summer of 1970 we visited the Studebaker parts division in South Bend, Indiana, and along with us both buying many Studebaker and Packard parts, he bought a complete factory A/C setup for the car, but never installed it.
GONE. Great deal, if it was legit.