The Hawk and its variants were a staple in the Studebaker line-up from 1956 through 1964. Depending on the models, they offered a sporty appearance, upscale amenities, and sometimes surprising power in a light package – but not always at the same time. The seller’s model is a pillared sedan from 1961 and is a stalled restoration that advancing age is preventing the owner from completing. From Laramie, Wyoming, it looks as though most of the heavy lifting has already been done and the Studebaker is available here on eBay where brisk bidding has only reached $3,050. Hats off to Barn Finder Larry D for bringing this project to light.
Studebaker Hawks were an extension of the design work of Raymond Loewy and his famed group. The folks in South Bend, Indiana didn’t have the kind of resources that GM or Chrysler had to create new cars, so the Hawks were repackaged versions of the 1953/55 Starlight and Starliner coupes and were an attempt to build a sporty, long hood/short deck car long before Ford had the idea with the Mustang. That the Hawks even came to be is a testament to the company’s determination as they were born in the midst of them swallowing the merger between Studebaker and Packard.
We’re not privy to any of the history on the seller’s car. It’s a ’61 Hawk of which there was just one model and two series based on engines. Out of 59,713 automobiles that Studebaker would build that year, only 3,929 carried Hawk badging. Most were the V8 series at 3,663 copies with the inline-six being much rarer at just 266 units. All elements of this Studebaker have been touched and even largely completed, like the body and paint, interior, and drivetrain.
Whatever rust or other issues the body may have had look to have been handled prior to new green and white paint being applied (I’m not sure that shade of green was a standard color). Brightwork may need re-chroming before being reinstalled. The interior looks about ready with new seats and carpeting, but the door panels may still be on the to-do list. And the V8 engine, likely a 289, is said to run although it looks only to be positioned in the engine compartment.
The 1961 Hawks would be the last to have pillared doors and tailfins. The car was reworked (again) in 1962 as the Gran Turismo Hawk, a personal luxury auto to compete with the likes of the Ford Thunderbird. The Hawk was retired in 1964 when production of cars in the U.S. was discontinued and only Canadian-built models would remain until 1966, excluding the Hawk and Avanti. The seller’s car looks as though it has the potential of being a great classic to show off if you don’t mind picking up where someone else left off.
Aw, come on, pops, you’re almost there,,,see? Now, in MY day, this is where a child that watched the progression to this point, knowing full well what it meant to the old man, SHOULD step in and finish it before the old man kicks the bucket,,( crickets), yeah, well, I think it’s terrible, I think dad deserves a ride in his beautiful Hawk, that’s almost done. Too schmaltzy for a Sunday morn? Too bad, it’s what’s missing in our lives today. They were beautiful cars, and dad knew it!
Neat car, but does John Deer know about this?
Looks like some shill bidders are having a go at this. Unfortunate color choice, I must say.
I think that color is a shade of what they call fugly.
This looks like one for Garage Squad. The last 5 percent takes the most time. Too bad he didn’t go with an original color. Still, someone’s gonna get a lot of car for short money.
Awesome looking car. Assuming all the parts needed are there, and you have the means to finish the job, why not finish the job? I’ve always loved the Studebaker (pre-1962) Hawk.
That’s got to be one of the ugliest home paint job/color combos I’ve seen in a while. Would get more money for it if he had just left it alone.
I’d take all of it but the paint when showin up w/the trailor. Leave that behind w/some money
Truly a unique, interesting car for what could be a bargain price? Color be darned! (It ensures uniqueness). Finish it as is and see whatcha got. Won’t see another for sure.
The choice of color of an Oliver Tractor has to hurt the bidding. With the cost of quality automotive paint and cost to prep and paint it or the time if a person has the skills and the place to do it themselves surely decreases its value.
Bought a ’62 Hawk project myself a few days ago. What sealed the deal was the paint, which with a few touch ups, will be “regional car show” worthy. The brakes, however, are another story….
‘The seller’s model is a pillared sedan’
‘The 1961 Hawks would be the last to have pillared doors’.
Russ, stop. You’re just confusing people. Coupe, four door sedan, two door sedan, wagon. They all have “B” pillars, unless they are HARDTOPS.
‘Hardtop’ is the qualifier, the exception, not the existence of pillars.
Still, great article. Unfortunate shade of green.
While the paint color may have not been the best choice as far as resale, let’s give the owner some credit for at least getting the car cleaned and outside for photos!
The color is a little different but would be a great project to finish with some chrome wheels etc
Wow, 6 grand with that paint job ? overspray, orange peel , missed areas , painted over wiring , hoses , latches, etc.- I painted derby cars that had more shine than this ! .With a lousy job like that, who knows what the bodywork was like ? Maybe a rebuilt motor and all the parts are worth the 6 thousand , I dont think anyone is going to take the time to tear it all down , prep the body right and respray it right and redo the interior correctly
Well, dad did the best he could, and it only had to please him. Green was a very popular color, and clearly dates dad, but don’t be too harsh, I’m sure he really wanted to drive his Hawk, the paint job quality was secondary.
You’re right, with dad out of the picture, dad will lose his axx, it will have to be almost given away, and we’ll see a lot more of this, these half finished cars that nobody wants, in their present form, and with costs today, not many will redo this car, I’ve been there( here), so I know. Our 1950 Packard was a “driveway” restoration, and wasn’t perfect either, but more of a tribute to my grandfather and it’s a shame, that mindset stops here with this car.
Good for you, your dad, and the buyer. This car will be cool when completed and has some nice wheels, etc. It will probably be regularly driven and certainly will attract attention. Maybe it will survive for many decades….his dream will live on. Far better than rotting and rusting under a tree somewhere.
I own this car now and my kids love the color! They refuse to let me change it and it will stay! Family first, that what matters most.
6 cylinders were only for export. 59 was the last year a 6 was offered for US buyers.
I gotta be different cause I like the color, I don’t care about overspray and all that. put some nice wheels and tires finish where he left off and make a cruiser out of it.
God Bless America
Color is not important, if it’s a solid body Wyoming car it is worth a closer look than some of the rusted out skeletons people are buying nowadays
My kindergarten teacher, Mrs Dunlap had one of these. Albeit not in the tacky color here. Hers was beige or off white. KInda criminal to paint it this bathroom door green at the picnic grove. Definitely not a Studebaker color
and lessens the value of the car.
Bidding ended at $6800 on 6/14/22.
I own this car now and my kids love the color! They refuse to let me change it and it will stay! Family first, that what matters most.