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No Reserve: 1960 Studebaker Hawk 289 V8

Studebaker was producing a stew of Hawks starting in the mid-1950s: the Flight Hawk, Sky Hawk, Power Hawk, Silver Hawk, and Golden Hawk offered differences in trim and power to discerning buyers. By 1960, the Hawk line boiled down to a single model called simply the Studebaker Hawk – a respite in model proliferation that was to last just this one year. Here on eBay is a 1960 Studebaker Hawk bid to $9,200, with no reserve. This car is located in South Bend, Indiana, the hometown of the Studebaker Corporation itself and the current location of the Studebaker National Museum, definitely worth a visit. This car runs, drives and stops but should be considered a project. The seller gives an explicit description of the paintwork, body, chrome, and trim – most of which is driver quality or better. A few paint imperfections, wiper marks on the windshield, and other small blemishes are noted.

This 1960 Hawk sports a Studebaker 289 cu. in. V8 motor accompanied by a four-barrel carburetor. The company had moved somewhat reluctantly to a V8 configuration, prodded by competition from the Olds Rocket 88 and Cadillac V8s. In fact, management must have been horrified to find that at least one dealer was replacing Studebaker’s earlier flathead six-cylinder engine with a Caddy V8, calling the result a “Studillac”. In any case, the 289 with a four-barrel generated about 225 bhp. The transmission is a three-speed column shift with overdrive. The seller reports that the shift mechanism is sloppy, and the power steering pump belt is disconnected. The odometer reads 42,467 but the total mileage is unknown.

The interior was refurbished but shows minor wear in the carpets, a couple of tears in the vinyl, two replacement gauges (tachometer and fuel), and crazing in the plastic of the horn button. The headliner is reportedly very good. The seller notes evidence of rodents, which he endeavored to clean up as much as possible. Engine-turned dashes were popular in the 1920s and ’30s, coming back into style in the 1960s.

The underside is clean and shows evidence of new parts. The tires are old and will need to be replaced. Viewing the feedback for this seller indicates that he has sold a number of Studebakers in the past and that buyers had positive experiences. A slightly better example of the same model sold for over $22,000 recently on Hemmings. So far, this one is shaping up to be somewhat of a bargain. What would you pay to bring this Hawk home?

Comments

  1. Avatar Stan

    Studebaker made some very cool cars. Check out the vid of this awesome old-timer wheeling his wicked Supercharged Lark down the 1/4.

    https://youtu.be/rnq7uJcgJug

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Thomas Black

    Has anybody actually changed that oil filter without creating one holy terror of a mess?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Harold

      I believe the filters didn’t have anti-drain back valve so most all oil would be back out the drain plug by time you were ready to change the filter.

      Like 2
    • Avatar martin daly

      Thomas, the solution to replacing Studebakers spin on upright oil filter without a mess is to, first off, remove the oil pan drain plug, and of course collecting the used engine oil into an approved container for deposit to an approved collection point, only then using a sharp instrument, a punch, etc, to poke a hole in the top of the upright filter, allowing the oil in the filter to drain downwards to that approved oil container. This is all.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Vincent H

    61 was also just called Hawk.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Michelle Rand Staff

      You’re right. The Grand Turismo didn’t go into production until ’62.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Gary Haley

        After mid-year ’61 at least some Hawks were labeled as GranTurismo Hawk. Mine is.

        Like 1
  4. Avatar Ken

    I live close by can I come and look at the frame?

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Ken

    Can I come and look at the frame since it can be prone to rust since they sit so low to ground

    Like 0
    • Avatar Michelle Rand Staff

      Contact the owner through the eBay listing, I am sure he would be delighted to show it to you.

      Like 0
  6. Avatar Ronald Yager

    These vehicles are all an act of personal passion considering the Studebaker Drivers Club moto is ” We would rather fix than switch” I personally have owned 2 Studebaker Larks. This is a great example of a car of this era being in good shape and nothing a standard set of Chraftsman Tools couldn’t fix. Love the car would buy it if I could but also realizing you will always be tinkering on the car. If that’s not your thing…then you have no business owning one.

    Like 0

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