After a radical facelift in 1962, the GT Hawks also received revised interiors and in 63, the Jet-Thrust R-series V8's were offered either as the normally aspirated 289ci as part of the R1 package, a supercharged version rated at 289 horsepower, and a rare R3 supercharged 304ci model with 304 horsepower. Good power was a lofty achievement for Studebaker and its European influenced design was reserved for a handful of buyers. In '63, just 4,634 GT's were sold.
For consignment, a 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R1 coupe dressed in black and rowed to motion via a 4-speed manual transmission. This is not the Playstation version of Gran Turismo and in fact, we doubt this car is available in the simulated game. This is a real and rare R1 Hawk and while Classic Auto Mall has had the honor of representing many Studebaker Hawks over the years, this is the first R1 to grace our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior Uniquely Studebaker with its British inspired grille, Gran Turismo tri colored badge, and hood that conforms to the shape of the grille, creating deep air tunnels on each side. Our car is bathed in two stage Velvet Black and is adorned with plenty of bright metal trim and features unique to a Studebaker. Single round headlights flank the grille and just below more "squashed mesh" openings house the new for 1963 round turn signal light. A chrome bumper in fine shape and the windshield has a large, polished frame; a wide ribbed C-pillar trim piece delineates the rear quarter on either side. The rear glass is inset forming a small overhang in the back. The sleek trunk deck has a large stainless ribbed panel on the back with the Twin Traction emblem, signifying the car is supplied with an axle similar to limited slip. Below in a black field are the Studebaker Hawk letters running across the panel. The rear bumper is looking good and shiny, vertical taillights just above hinting at fins, and square dual exhaust peek out underneath. Nice scalloped S badged wheel covers dress up the 15-inch wheels, encircled in red and the red is picked up on a "Avanti Powered" badge on the front fender. Gold Gran Turismo badge in script along with the tri-colored badge adorns the doors and during our observation, we note no glaring faults on the exterior of this car.
Interior Door panels start us out with pleated uppers, a brushed aluminum panel streaking through the center housing the small armrest, and black carpeting on the door lowers, all in great shape except for one loose end pleat on the drivers' door. Inside, low back wide buckets, standard for the GT, are also in black vinyl and are flanking a center console with armrest and ashtray. In the back is a big bench with more vertical pleats, a pulldown center armrest, and the door pattern flowing on the sidewalls. A black and white steering wheel contains a horn ring that summons the rear decklid plate, somewhat rectangular, leading to a stunning dashboard, backed with wood veneer, canted towards the driver, and containing a high end array of gauges with metal name plates. Outside the main cockpit, an AM radio takes its place in the wood panel, and a gold hawk is affixed to the wood glove box door. A simple, stout, white knobbed shifter is floor mounted and surrounded by black loop carpet in great condition. Polished braces dress the white perforated headliner for just that extra bit of classy detail, and it looks fantastic. The trunk is lined with a plaid mat and houses a red-rimmed spare, all clean.
Drivetrain Under the hood, an equally clean engine is housed in a spotless bay. This is the 289ci V8 rated at 240 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. The air filter cover and valve covers are chrome, and the fan shroud is glossy black. A Borg Warner 4-speed manual transmission is behind it all and sends power to a Dana 44 out back with 3.31 gears and Twin Traction. Power brakes are in demand and comprise of disc up front and drum in back.
Undercarriage Super clean underneath as well with no surface rust, grease build up, road dirt, or errant fluids anywhere. We see one drop of oil near the drain plug. Dual exhaust enters some red Cherrybomb muffler on their way to the back. Coil spring suspension is up front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability It's not every day you get to test a GT Hawk. This one will make anyone a Studebaker fan. It performed as it should, solid braking, nice smooth acceleration, and the 4-speed is a bonus. All functions in this clean car work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Is it a luxury car, a muscle car, or a grand tourer? Well, it's a bit of each. A unique blend of external design, internal opulence, and a capable V8. Call the rare bird alert because this one just landed in our hall and like a warbler passing through, likely won't be here long. Classic Auto Mall recently hosted the Studebaker Drivers Club, Keystone Region and we sure hope they got a good look at this one!
63V17646
63-1963 V-Gran Turismo Hawk V8 17646-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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