Vehicle Description
1962 Studebaker GT Hawk
Despite the European influence, the Gran Turismo Hawk drew on
American influences, too; the roofline was heavily inspired by the
Ford Thunderbird, with thick C-pillars. A chrome edge running from
front to rear highlighted the top of the bodywork in very similar
fashion to that on the contemporary Lincoln Continental. The
taillights were particularly fashioned after the Lincoln's, and the
trunk lid was given a faux brightwork "grille" overlay (to hide the
grooves of the otherwise carryover 1956-61 lid) that resembled the
Lincoln as well. Stevens's extensive yet inexpensive modifications
to the body finally rid the car of the 1950s-style tailfins and
bodyside trim of previous models. The rear window was nearly flat
and recessed, reducing the cost of an ordinarily expensive piece of
glass. Overall, the exterior look kept the smooth, aerodynamic
style of previous Studebakers but moved up to date.
This rare 1962 Studebaker GT Hawk tells a remarkable story of
ownership and provenance. In 1962, a Mr. Rider at the age of 22,
purchased the GT Hawk from his father's dealership in
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The special order Hawk's option list
is contained within the original window sticker. The MSRP of the GT
lists a selling price of $3,880.43, a significant amount of money
for a performance car at that time. It is currently owned by Mr.
Rider's brother, who acquired the car through Mr. Rider's wish upon
his passing. Since that ownership change the car has been lovingly
stored among a collection of family owned English classics.
Absolutely no restoration of any sort has ever been done to this
classic.
Exterior
Original beige showing some patina, but overall good condition
paint is seen. Chrome and brite work is nicely preserved showing
some pitting, and areas of slight rust where it meets the bodywork.
A few chips in the beige all around show up, but for original paint
unrestored, it is very nice.
Interior
Light beige vinyl buckets with horizontal pleats, present in
perfect condition. This is unusual as the 1962 introductory year
used an inferior vinyl that tended to fade and wear out very
quickly, so not was changed for 1963, when they changed to US Royal
Naugahyde vinyl. A pristine rear bench with a large center armrest
that folds up and down, is extremely comfortable. A 4-speed manual
floor shifter is seen in front of the console and this is both a
rare, and expensive alternative to the automatic version. The faux
veneer dash houses all the necessary gauges, as well as an optional
tachometer. Headliner is very nice, and top of dash shows no
cracking or faults. Door panels are in excellent condition as
well.
Drivetrain
289ci V8 engine and twin traction, coupled with added HD suspension
option, the 4-speed manual, a 4-barrel carburetor. This Studebaker
was built for speed and handling.
The car runs and drives well but is in need of some work to become
a daily driver. There are some small spots of surface rust on the
exterior and below the trunk mat. The interior is amazing in its
condition and originality and needs nothing. All accessories are
functional. A Gran Turismo that offers a unique opportunity to
either freshen and drive or make an easy restoration of a
well-documented and rare American classic.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 150 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find
collection is currently also on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.