I guess I’m on a Studebaker “thing” as earlier in the week, I covered this 1961 Lark station wagon, and today, for your review, and courtesy of Tony P., I have this very nice 1962 Gran Turisimo (GT) Hawk to present. The beginning of the end was at Studebaker’s doorstep in ’62, but they kept plugging away, and maybe in some respects, it’s a surprise that a specialty car like the GT Hawk was still in their lineup. Mukwonago, Wisconsin, is where you’ll find this Brooks Stevens restyle, and it’s available here on craigslist for $13,500.
The Studebaker (or Studebaker-Packard) Hawk series started in 1956 and went through several iterations before this Gran Turismo (GT) version surfaced in ’62. Research indicates that about 9,300 were produced that year, which is more than I would have initially thought. These are fairly large cars for being a two-door, four-seater (five will fit); they ride on a 120″ wheelbase and stretch out to a total of 204″ (17 feet) in length – the design is beautifully balanced, IMO. The listing claims that this Hawk has been repainted, and while I generally eschew two-tone finishes, I really like the look of this car – the blue and white combo fits its character. The chrome is strong and deep, and all of the stainless trim appears to be intact. The seller claims that it has a “very solid frame,” and there is no indication of rust anywhere.
The interior is also stated as being new. From what I can research, the upholstery pattern has taken a 90-degree turn, with the seams running vertically as opposed to horizontally. The fabric selected looks like velour as opposed to the original vinyl that would have been employed. No, it’s not an exact restoration, but it works well, and the blue piping is a nice touch. If you examine the listing, you can get a good view of the concave walnut sheathed instrument panel and gauge work – it’s a real driver’s design!
Behind that distinctive Hawk grille is a 210 gross HP 259 289 CI V8 engine, tethered to a four-speed manual transmission. The listing doesn’t detail this car’s running or driving aptitude but does state, “TIRES, BATTERY, RADIATOR, (GAS TANK & SENDING UNIT ), FUEL PUMP—- ALSO REBUILT STARTER, GENERATOR, 4- SPEED, CARB, BRAKES…,” these being the items that have been replaced or refurbished.
Many here have bemoaned the loss of Studebaker and it was an unfortunate turn of events. It’s especially distressing when you realize that a car such as this GT Hawk is what they were offering, all the while keeping their head held high, hoping for better days ahead (it’s even more distressing when you compare it with most, not all, but most of the automotive dreck offered today). Considering this car’s price tag of $13,500, it seems reasonable to me; how about to you?
Looks a fun driver J.O
4sp manual is welcome.
Aggressive 3.73 gearing std from the Studebaker factory. No rocket at 3500lbs but with a decent 300lb-ft and the stick shift, you can keep things right where you want to. 🏁
I’m curious if anyone knows but can you get parts for the studebaker? Either through another company or does one of the big 3 make parts.I do like the fact of rebuilding things like the generator,starter ! I never understood why this company went under! Tucker his life got destroyed by the big 3.Maybe similar thing! we need as many and even new ones to come on board and compete.Competition is very american and forces them to build things well!
Parts are easy to get and reasonably priced. The Studebaker Drivers Club website has a list of vendors and there is a ton of knowledge on that site.
Thanks Kent!
There was no Big 3 conspiracy against Studebaker. The company made some bad decisions (well documented elsewhere) and like the other independents was hit hard by the Ford/Chevy sales war around 1954. The Lark gave the company a temporary lease on life. Technically speaking Studebaker did not go under, they used Lark profits to diversify and got out of the loss-making car division to concentrate on more profitable businesses.
As far as I know most parts for Studebakers are still available.
After 100 years in 1953 they did see what would be coming “Technically speaking Studebaker did not go under, they used Lark profits to diversify and got out of the loss-making car division to concentrate on more profitable businesses. ” a note worth mentioning again – thanks – That AMC Guy !
Yes…..parts are no issue finding new – NOS or used.
Studebaker International has a 300 page catalog, you can get just about anything from them. Interiors used to come from Southeast Studebaker in Knoxville TN and were the best quality, but I think Rene’s health got bad and he had to quit. I got a set of seat covers and a package tray for a 62 from Stude Intl, so I hope they are trying to take up the slack. (Haven’t opened the box yet). For a brand other than the “Big Three or VW, Stude has the best parts availability in the hobby.
I appreciate the info it all helps! Thanks!
“Behind that distinctive Hawk grille is a 210 gross HP 259 CI V8 engine”
289, not 259. No 259 Hawks after 1959.
These have certainly aged well. Amazing restyle on a shoestring budget by Brooks Stevens.
Sleek sums it up. My wife, at 4’10”, cannot see out of anything offered today. The head cushions and roof-line on our 2012 Buick Lacrosse stupidly obstructs my vision too. It’s easy to see why air bags abound! How is it that designers of cars like the Hawk had creature concern in mind, along with superb styling. Sweet and affordable. Just my opinion.
Seams reasonable. Sharp appearance.
Like color combo. My offer would be $ 10,500. Different and would b fun to drive with 4sp.
Non-original interior material. Not surprised. A very common situation with the ’62 GT Hawks was the all vinyl interiors. For some reason only the ’62 GT had an inferior quality Vinyl that started cracking and failing within about 25,000 miles. By ’63 I guess they changed the vinyl supplier, as the ’63 interiors held up far better.
The Studebaker Hawk GT with it’s ahead it’s time styling has held a certain resonance with car buyers then now and in the possible future. What I don’t understand is why haven’t they appreciated more? I’ve seen them in photos with some prominent people and have probably been stable mates to other more expensive cars at one time and I believe really nice are a rarity these days like the Black one just advertised.l personally think these classics will appreciate more in the future.
Unfortunately, Studebaker did make some bad business decisions, one of which was to continue paying dividends when things were bad.
Studebaker was by far the oldest vehicle maker, being a major wagon and carriage maker, some say the largest in the country, since the mid 1850’s.
I always thought the Gran Turismo Hawks were about the most beautiful cars ever made.
The last Studebakers made were the Avanti, which were amazing cars, some set speed records of 170mph, but “too little too late” was the story. Others took over the Avanti name and style several times, until into the early 2000’s, but of course the original V-8s had been replaced by Chevrolet engines.
In WWII they manufactured many things, including aircraft engines but especially they were known to build many versions of the Weasel. The Weasels make another interesting subject.
The Studebaker Drivers Club’s publication (magazine) Turning Wheels always lists many parts suppliers. One thing that is harder to find is brake shoes for some post war models, including my 1949 Champion Starlight Coupe, as even though Studebaker had self adjusting brakes since 1947, they were a different system. They used gage pins in the front shoes through a hole in the shoe which, as the linings wore, were pushed in to allow a spring loaded wedge to take up the slack. I believe they made by Bendix.
Studebaker also offered the Hill Holder, made by No Roll Corporation, which, when the brakes were applied when going uphill, held the car from rolling backwards by holding the brakes while allowing your right foot to get to the “gas pedal” until the clutch was released.