The Studebaker Golden Hawk was produced from 1956 through 1958 with styling influenced by Raymond Loewy's design studio who used the shape of the Champion and Commander of the early 1950's as its beginning point. Only 4,356 Golden Hawks were built in 1957 and they could outperform and out accelerate the Chrysler 300B, Ford Thunderbird, and yes, even the Chevrolet Corvette. This was proven in a test conducted by Speed Age magazine in 1956. Supercharged Golden Hawks were putting up 0-60 times that would be considered respectable in today's market.
For consignment, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, a recipient of a frame off restoration, total engine rebuild of the numbers matching powerplant, and a title verified 82,745 actual miles on the car. Not all Golden Hawks were gold, but it is certainly a fitting color for the model and its unique body shape and drivetrain. The Studebaker family immigrated from Germany and arrived in Philadelphia in 1736 and became wagon makers in York, PA. This car, currently in eastern Pennsylvania, is a descendant of that early manufacturing.
Exterior Tiara Gold covers the hawk in spectacular fashion and Artic White inserts create a bold highlight on the rear panel and onto the tail fins. The sculpted face seems to have been formed from the wind or at least bends to it allowing air that isn't inhaled by the grille and intakes to be funneled over the hood and passed to the side. In 1957, a louvered fiberglass power bulge was added which covers a hole created to allow room for the supercharger. The raked windshield flows into the round roof which gives way to the wraparound rear window, all of which is surrounded by outstanding polished metal. Other metal and chrome trim is commonplace on the car with accent trim, a body spear, and gleaming emblems throughout. From the side, the entire car seems to be leaning back, as if moving, and the single round tail lights simulate jet aircraft afterburners. Symmetry is everywhere, from the twin antennas and dual tail pipes to the side mirrors on both doors, it's a wonderfully visually balanced car and it's all very clean. 15-inch wheels are body colored under the turbine style hubcaps, and wide white walls fit the grandeur of the car with classic appeal. We note a handful of small imperfections in the paint and some that have chipped off a body panels, otherwise it's excellent.
Interior Alternating panels of gold, cream and silver mesh adorn the door panels in a simple yet classic design with more robust metal trim on the top and our eyes are drawn to the beautifully patterned sill plate. In front the split bench in stunning gold vinyl wears a tuck and roll pattern on thickly padded seats, while 2+2 seating in the back enjoy a center armrest and requisite ashtray, the sidewalls continuing the door pattern in an artful arrangement of colors and textures. We take a break from our gold surroundings to grab the lovely white steering wheel with black bottom and silver horn ring, a touch of gold added in the Golden Hawk logo of the center cap. Sliding down the column we find a thin shifter and its indicator window, this leading to the machined metal backing of the dashboard and gauge cluster which includes a vacuum gauge dead center. The scaled metal panel continues the width of the dash where an AM radio and its speaker grates fill the middle and a glovebox blends in under the thick, padded dash cover. Black loop carpet overlays the floor while yellow texted Studebaker black carpeted mats are an attractive addition to the footwells. The cream colored headliner and visors are in excellent condition and the trunk is holding a fitted plaid mat and spare cover over glossy gold paint.
Drivetrain A spotless engine bay reveals the numbers matching 289ci V8 and a McCulloch supercharger that is rated at 275 horsepower. It is fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and driven by a Borg Warner Flight-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission. All those horses head back to the rear wheels where it meets a twin traction differential with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage Very clean underneath with no surface rust or dripping oil to report. Dual exhaust enters stock style mufflers before exiting out the back via chrome tips. Coil spring suspension is equipped in the front and leaf springs out back. There is no dirt, no grime, no grease build up.
Drive-Ability Perhaps it's the sleek stance and long tail that gives the car an air of elegance and the interior certainly contributes to the mystique. But it's also a muscle car in disguise because the engine is potent and capable. We cruised around our loop to tested operations and enjoyed the ride, finding only the tachometer and heater blower not functional.
A relatively rare and unique car that is ready for show, this Golden Hawk impresses all who gaze upon it. We didn't flog it, but this is one bird that really flies! And it must have been impressive pulling up to a fancy steakhouse in the 50's. Here's a collection quality Studebaker for your consideration. If you invest in gold, here's some for your portfolio.
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.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
