Vehicle Description
In 1953, Studebaker unveiled the sleek and stylish
Champion/Commander Starliner hardtops and coupes. The striking and
futuristic design looked fast standing still though the family of
somewhat anemic inline six-cylinder engines meant performance
didn't always live up to the promises made by the bodywork. For the
1956 model year, Studebaker lacked the budget to develop a new car
from scratch so the Commander and Champ were heavily reworked by
the team at Raymond Loewy Studios. A bold new grille mimicked the
intake of an F-86 Sabre jet fighter, making room for the big 352
cubic inch Packard OHV V8 engine which finally gave the svelte
Studebakers performance to match their looks. Touted as the "Family
Sports Car", the new Golden Hawk was one of the most unique cars of
the era. Packard's big 352 cubic inch V8 gave the Golden Hawk
impressive straight-line performance, but it was also quite heavy
and the enormous weight over the front axle gave translated into
questionable handling characteristics. For the 1956 model year,
Packard's 352 was superseded by the significantly lighter
Studebaker-designed 289 cubic inch V8. On paper, this might seem
like a downgrade, but the addition of a belt-driven McCullough
supercharger allowed the 289 to punch out a very stout 275
horsepower and 333 lb. - ft. of torque. Over 100 pounds were shed
from over the front axle, making the four-seat Golden Hawk
surprisingly fast. It could easily outperform both the Ford
Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette in a straight line, and now had
vastly improved handling to hang with its two-seat rivals on twisty
roads. The body retained the old roofline of the Starliner, but was
brought in vogue with fiberglass fins (to the disdain of Robert
Bourke, the Starliner's designer), a hood bulge to clear the
blower, and unique trunk lid with a fluted rear panel. The Golden
Hawk proved to be one most powerful American GT cars of the era,
made even more impressive by the shoestring budget under which it
was developed, and today is counted among the most desirable and
collectible of all Studebakers. This striking 1957 Studebaker
Golden Hawk is a wonderful example wearing a finely-preserved older
restoration. Recently out of 14 years in a large and diverse
collection of sports cars, this Studebaker was originally a
delivered to California where it remained for many years,
documented via old registration slips and a UC Davis parking
sticker from 1964. Looking sharp and attractive in its
factory-correct Arctic White with Tiara Gold inserts, optional dual
rear antennas, dual exhaust and tinted glass, this is an
outstanding car with a superb presentation. The handsome body is
very straight with consistent panel gaps and doors that shut with
satisfying solidity. Paintwork is highly attractive, having been
well-maintained since the restoration was completed. It shows only
a few minor touch-ups upon close inspection. Chrome and stainless
brightwork is in beautiful condition overall, with a mix of
restored and preserved original pieces. The bumpers feature
excellent plating, and the stainless side moldings and window trims
are straight and properly aligned, with only the beltline moldings
and the original mirror shows some minor pitting. Like the
Starliner before it, the Golden Hawk is rakish and low; this car
sitting properly on Tiara Gold steel wheels with original stainless
hubcaps and fresh Firestone Deluxe Champion wide-whitewall tires.
The numerous exterior and interior options are confirmed via the
included Studebaker build record. A rare and desirable gold
interior presents in excellent condition with restored seats
complementing preserved original two-tone door and interior panels.
The original radio remains in place and the fittings and controls
all appear to be excellent originals. Carpets are correct gold
nylon loop and the trunk is properly detailed, housing the spare
wheel and jack. The spacious and comfortable interior gave the
Golden Hawk an advantage over the competition, allowing room for
five while appealing to the sporting driver with its purposeful
race-inspired gauges and engine-turned alloy fascia. The McCullough
Supercharged 289 cubic inch V8 is tidy and well detailed, with
correct air cleaner fittings and hardware. It is clean and appears
well sorted without being fussy or over-restored. The undercarriage
is similarly tidy, appearing very correct and showing minimal road
use. The engine runs strong and the car is simply a pleasure to
drive; the abundant power and low-end torque from that blown V8
lending it an impressive turn of speed. Power is sent through an
automatic transmission and optional Twin-Traction rear
differential. With unique Jet-Age style and the grunt to back it
up, this Golden Hawk certainly lives up to the "Family Sports Car"
moniker its creators gave it. This is a very fine example of
Studebaker's legendary Golden Hawk, a fabulous driver that is ready
for events or casual show.