Worldwide car sales flourished globally following World War II, with the United States leading the charge. Slaking the thirst of buyers was seemingly impossible, and it should have been an era when small manufacturers that could react to change faster than the industry giants should have strived. However, that didn’t prove the case, with some simply unable to compete with “The Big Three.” Studebaker was one such marque, but it left us with a legacy of interesting a stylish vehicles. This 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk is a perfect example of the breed that is ready to find a new home. It presents exceptionally well, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it. The seller has listed the Golden Hawk here on Facebook in Corning, Arkansas, with an asking price of $19,500.

The Golden Hawk enjoyed a relatively short production run, gracing showroom floors from 1956 until 1958. Studebaker’s financial situation was quite dire, and the merger with Packard that was supposed to be the company’s saviour revealed that the situation for both marques was significantly worse than it first appeared. Therefore, developing a new model for either brand involved a lot of component sharing and the refreshing of older models with new sheetmetal. It meant that when Raymond Loewy’s studio penned the Golden Hawk, it based the new offering upon the Commander Starliner Hardtop. The first owner ordered this Golden Hawk in a two-tone combination of Tangerine and Snowcap White. The seller’s description is all too brief, amounting to a mere eleven words. Therefore, it is unclear whether this gem is a genuine survivor or if it has undergone restoration. Its presentation is extremely nice, with no significant paint or panel shortcomings. There is no mention or evidence of rust, while the trim and glass are both impressive.

Component sharing between Studebaker and Packard made itself apparent when someone lifted the hood of this Golden Hawk. The engine bay houses Packard’s 352ci V8, teamed with a two-speed Ultramatic transmission and power steering. The V8 produces 275hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque, according to the Shop Manual. The Golden Hawk tips the scales at under 3,700 lbs, making the fact that it could show a clean set of heels to its heavier market competitors unsurprising. The engine bay of this classic presents nicely, although I’m sure that most purists could do without the cosmetic enhancements. The seller describes the car as “ready to go,” with the embedded video in the listing confirming that the engine purrs like a kitten.

The Golden Hawk’s interior is dominated by the dash fascia, which is a beautiful piece of machine-turned aluminum. Pontiac chose a similar approach decades later with the Trans Am, but it didn’t have quite the same level of impact as found inside this Studebaker. The tri-tone White, Black, and Gray upholstered surfaces provide a fitting contrast to the exterior, and the condition is equally impressive. There is no significant visible wear, and no genuine age deterioration. The lack of issues on the seats may indicate a retrim at some point, but this isn’t mentioned in the listing. Overall, this interior will probably receive even more compliments than the exterior, wherever this classic goes.

The classic market has been quite volatile during the past year, with some vehicles typically considered rock-solid investments suffering declining values. The 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk hasn’t been immune to this trend, and while that might seem like bad news, it could also make now the ideal time to park one in your garage. Of course, there is no such thing as an iron-clad guarantee in such situations, and the trend might not reverse. That is the risk associated with buying a classic as an investment; It is sometimes a roll of the dice. This one looks like a gem, and the seller’s price seems competitive if it is as solid and clean as their listing suggests. Therefore, if potential future financial return only forms part of your “big picture” approach, this Studebaker is worth a close look.