Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Older Restoration: 1961 Studebaker Hawk

The Hawk series of automobiles built by Studebaker arrived on the scene in 1956. They were a derivative of the earlier Starliner coupes and would stick around through 1964 in one form or another. These were sleek, neatly styled cars that never got much of a chance to grow given the financial position of Studebaker after its ill-fated mid-1950s merger with Packard. This 1961 Hawk was restored some years ago and looks like a solid vehicle that may only need some TLC. Located in Baldwin, Wisconsin, this vintage Stude is available here on craigslist for $7,499 (give them $7,500 and say, “keep the change”). T.J. has been keeping us busy lately with cool tips like this!

A variety of the Raymond Loewy-styled Hawks were offered through an extended run and under several surnames. Those included the Flight Hawk, Power Hawk, Silver Hawk, Sky Hawk, and Golden Hawk. They were produced as pillared sedans and pillarless hardtops. From 1962 through 1964, the car’s last hurrah was the Gran Turismo Hawk, a Mercedes-inspired personal luxury car. When the company shifted production from South Bend, Indiana to Canada in late 1963, the Hawk was not included.

The 1961 Hawk was a single body style that saw a production of just 3,929 units. Except in the hands of Studebaker collectors, surviving cars aren’t very plentiful. For their size and weight, these autos were nimble with a 289 cubic inch V8 rated at 210 hp. You could get them equipped with a 4-speed manual although a 3-speed was more common, and this example has an automatic transmission.

Restored several years ago, this Hawk has held up pretty well. We don’t see any rust and there’s only one tear in the upholstery to worry about. The seller says it runs and drives, but doesn’t elaborate, suggesting some mechanical TLC may be in order. The odometer read 35,000 miles, but we’re told it has turned over, hence the earlier restoration. If you’ve been looking for one of these cars from Studebaker’s latter days, you could do worse than this one for the money.

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhess Member

    Never been a big fan of the tail fins but it’s really hard not to like these cars. That ’53 I had really must have made an impression on me. Nice driver level car to go have fun with.

    Like 8
  2. Vinnie Chrysler

    That’s a good cube to HP ratio for those days! I like it!

    Like 0
  3. Todd J. Todd J. Member

    If there’s no serious rust or undisclosed mechanical issues, that’s a good price.

    Like 5
  4. Grant

    I could buy this 7 times over for the present bid on the 75 911. I would be happy with this at the asking price and then take the rest of that money and spread joy. Imagine leaving a thousand dollars in the collection plate in a church anonymously. Pass out Benjamins on the street to people who smile at you as you pass them on the sidewalk. Walk into a children’s ward at a local hospital and slip a few grand into the pockets of young parents with sick children. Money can do great things, it doesn’t always have to be for investing or selfish things. Just my two cents worth. BTW, I do love this car. The 289 was a great engine and these were beautiful cars to look at to.

    Like 11
  5. Stick Miller

    Technically. Packard bought Studebaker.

    Like 2
    • Rick

      A move that Packard came to regret.

      Like 3
      • Bob C.

        And Studebaker still outlived them by eight model years.

        Like 1
    • Donnie L Sears

      Technically Packard was not in good financial shape at the time. They were going under.

      Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.