Vehicle Description
Studebaker isn't quite mainstream, but there are a lot of guys who
really dig their performance/luxury coupes like this 1963
Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo. Dramatic styling, strong performance
from a very rare factory supercharged 289 cubic inch V8 and 4-speed
manual transmission, plus all the luxury features you'd expect make
this a wonderful alternative to the usual '60s hardware.
This particular Hawk has been faithfully restored at some point and
still looks good and is ideally suited for casual shows and driving
events. The low-key white paint makes it a bit of a stealth ship
given its performance, and the angular yet sleek bodywork really
shows off the Euro-inspired design. It's an older repaint that
looks right on the vintage sheetmetal, not too shiny and a correct
color that doesn't look modern, which always helps an old car's
image. There's the slightest hint of a hood scoop up front and the
final vestiges of tail fins out back, so the car is a perfect
representative of the early '60s and it's in the details where this
car really shines. Check out the anodized insert in the deck lid,
the chrome trim running along the tops of the fenders, and the
radio antenna mounted on the deck lid, all things that make this
car stand out in a crowd. We're guessing that much of the chrome
and stainless was restored when the car was painted and it shines
up nicely with a soft patina that works well with the overall
look.
I'm not sure if it's possible, but the beautiful red bucket seat
interior is even more dramatic than the bodywork. The front seats
are separated by a neat little console and that's a legit 4-speed
gearbox on the floor between them. The upholstery was replaced when
the car was painted about 20 years ago, and it's nicely detailed
with vertical pleats, cool chrome recliner levers. Matching carpets
and handsome door panels with aluminum inserts make it inviting and
the wrap-around instrument panel puts the focus on the driver. A
full array of gauges also have a European look and the little
toggle switches underneath were clearly inspired by aircraft
design. The woodgrain finish on the instrument panel looks
expensive and the factory AM/FM radio is way over there by the
passenger and yes, it works! The back seat looks almost completely
unused and the large trunk offers a correct mat and jack
assembly.
The 289 cubic inch R2 V8 has no relation to Ford's more famous
powerplant, and thanks to a factory-installed
McCullough/Granatelli/Paxton supercharger, it really howls with one
horsepower per cubic inch. The big red compressor dominates the
engine bay and all signs point to this being the car's original
engine. The engine was rebuilt less than 1000 miles ago, and the
heads are correct R2 units, so the engine is right. It has all the
original hardware save for an electronic ignition system and chrome
valve covers give it a dressed-up look. It's backed by the
aforementioned 4-speed manual gearbox and a sturdy rear end with
highway-friendly gears inside, making the Gran Turismo a great
touring car, just as the name would imply. The dual exhaust system
features new mufflers and intermediate pipes and has a soft V8
rumble, and with power steering and power brakes it's as easy to
handle as your daily driver. Steel wheels with hubcaps wear
215/75/15 whitewall radials that look great and improve the ride in
a noticeable way.
With just over 4000 Hawk GTs built in 1963, and an even smaller
amount of supercharged productions, this is a rather rare piece and
is just right for the guy who understands that muscle cars weren't
all built by the Big Three. Call today!