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Jet Thrust R1-Powered 1963 Studebaker GT Hawk

A lot of us dream about finding a car such as this 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk in this condition hiding away in someone’s garage. While it needs a full restoration or at least a full refurbishment, it looks complete and in fairly good condition overall. This Hawk can be found here on craigslist in Mazeppa, Minnesota, just north of Rochester, home of the famous Mayo Clinic. The seller is asking $4,500 for this great project car. Thanks to Roger for sending in this tip!

The Rose Mist paint has seen better days but it’s nice to see this car in what looks like mostly original condition. The seller mentions that the previous owners of this car stored it indoors for decades. Although there is rust in the rear trunk area and some rust by the doors due to damp carpets, there is no structural rust. It’s looking better all the time.

I wouldn’t do a thing to the paint other than clean it, at least for now. Although, that color is pretty amazing when it’s like new. A car like this deserves a full restoration but even given the semi-solid condition that this car is in, it won’t be inexpensive. $50,000 maybe? The next owner will be upside down unless they can do most of the work her/himself. Hagerty is at $28,700 for a #2 excellent condition car and it wouldn’t take long for a restoration shop to hit that number, maybe the halfway point?

The interior looks rough, fabric and carpet-wise, but those things are fixable. Missing parts and pieces would be the big thing and this car looks complete. The driver’s cockpit is a thing of beauty. You can see that this car has a column-shifted automatic which may be the least desirable transmission configuration available in this car. A 4-speed manual is the most desirable and valuable and there was also a floor-actuated Powershift automatic available. Apparently, the vinyl seats in the ’63 Hawks was a lot better than it was in the ’62 Hawks, although you can tell that everything inside will need to be restored anyway. I would love to have this car to the point where the interior was the only thing left to do.

The big deal with this car, other than it appearing to be complete and in very restorable condition, is the fantastic R1 engine from the Avanti. This 289 V8 was a special order – the Jet Thrust R1 with 240 hp. The next one up was the supercharged R2 with 289 hp and the ultimate was the low-production 305 cubic-inch supercharged V8 R3 with 335 hp. There is no word on if this R1 engine runs or even turns over, the seller doesn’t talk about the mechanical condition at all. One quick phone call will answer your questions. I hope that someone restores this car back to like-new condition again.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Right front inner fender well, or what’s left of it, would indicate a thorough underside look for rust….. Neat car. Had a ’53 coupe in college that we built up in the parking lot. Found the complete car minus engine on top of a pile of cars. Paid $50 scrap value for it. Straight, no rust. Still one of the best looking cars of any era.

    Like 7
  2. Avatar Del

    This car is a sweet heart

    Hope it gets restored 😘

    Like 5
  3. Avatar Socaljoe

    Bob Hess, I think that’s the battery tray we’re looking at, sans battery. Of course, any car in Minnesota should be checked carefully for rust.

    Like 4
  4. Avatar Robert Shaw

    Studebaker parts availability? While there may be a few hard to find items, it would be very few as there are more sources for Studebaker parts than one can imagine. The Studebaker Drivers Club recently published a “vendors issue” in their well done Turning Wheels magazine that lists more than 200 sources for Studebaker parts. This special issue is, for the first time, being offered to those who are not members of the club. Info is at http://www.studebakerdriversclub.com

    Like 7
  5. Avatar Beatnik Bedouin

    It’s amazing how Brooks Steven’s simple updates of the 1953 design has stood the test of time and is a credit to the great American industrial design legend.

    Socialjoe is right – anyone interested in buying this particular GT Hawk needs to have a close look at the rust situation. Have a look at the craigslist pics and you’ll see why.

    Like 0
  6. bobhess bobhess Member

    Socaljoe… Was looking at the bottom of the fender well in the second picture. Pretty sure I’m looking at the floor through metal… Anyone blow up that picture to be sure?

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Vince

    2 years ago I bought a restored one with a 4 speed and disc brakes for 18k

    Like 1
  8. Avatar canadainmarkseh

    Battary tray looks a little ugly but that’s to be expected it had battary acid on it for 50 years other than that it looks pretty solid. I would be inclined to go with a port injected sbc 350 backed up by a 700r trans and at least front disc brakes. Very cool styling would love to have it.

    Like 1
  9. Avatar stillrunners

    Wow…..Turning Wheels….still think I have a few from my first subscription/membership in 1975….R/1 had your basic 10 1/2 to 1 pistons like every one else .

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Britcarguy

    Back when P N D L R was actually logical.

    Like 0

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