Vehicle Description
While Packard is one of America's most celebrated automobile
manufacturers, the trials and tribulations of the post-war period
threatened their previously impeccable image. Packard's gradual
decline in the marketplace could be attributed numerous factors,
including clumsy management, and unbearable competition from the
Big Tree of GM, Ford, and Chrysler. The Big Three grew even more
powerful during the war, making conditions particularly harsh when
independent manufacturers made the switch back to civilian
production. Gradually, the independents began to falter, turning to
mergers and partnerships in hopes of staying afloat. Hudson and
Nash merged to create AMC, Kaiser Motors and Willys-Overland joined
forces to become Kaiser Jeep, and even the two most influential and
longest-running American independents, Studebaker and Packard,
would be forced sit down at the table to forge a partnership. The
idea was that Packard would benefit from Studebaker's extensive
dealer network, and Studebaker could take advantage of Packard's
cash reserves. Unfortunately, Studebaker executives weren't exactly
forthcoming with their actual sales figures, and the partnership
began to fray almost from the onset. Despite their struggles,
Packard continued to develop high-quality cars that lived up to the
illustrious brand. When the heavily-revised lineup and new V8
engine debuted in 1955, Packard saw sales jump to 70,000 units,
proof that buyers still held the name in high regard. However, the
cost of development, tooling, and updates to the assembly plant had
the red ink flowing like a river. Even with a move from the iconic
but inefficient East Grand Boulevard plant to a former Chrysler
Plant at Conner Avenue, the losses continued. Parts and engineering
sharing between the two brands steadily increased, and by 1957, all
new Packards were built in Studebaker's South Bend, Indiana plant,
based on heavily reworked Studebaker platforms. By 1958, the
legendary Packard name would be in its final year. For the most
part, traditional Packard customers were unimpressed with the
so-called "Packardbakers." However, there was a notable exception
in the sporty Hawk: A European-inspired four-seat GT car with
dramatic styling and a surprisingly potent drivetrain. Built to
take on the likes of the Ford Thunderbird, the car shared the same
platform as the Studebaker Golden Hawk, though the Packard had a
unique fiberglass front end treatment, new bumpers, and more
luxurious accommodations. Standard on all Packard Hawks was the
compact and powerful 289 cubic-inch Studebaker V8 with a large
McCulluch (Paxton) supercharger. Nearly all of the Packard Hawks
came equipped with a three-speed Borg-Warner automatic transmission
and the Twin Traction limited slip differential. Along with its
Studebaker stablemate, the 275 horsepower Packard Hawk was the
fastest four-seat car in America, could handily out-accelerate a
Thunderbird, and hang with the Corvette. Despite the flashy looks
and surprising performance, it was all too little, too late, and
after only 588 Hawks left the South Bend plant, the Packard name
was gone for good. Resplendent in its Mountain Blue metallic paint
with signature gold Mylar fins, this 1958 Packard Hawk is an
outstanding example of Packard's swansong grand tourer. This car is
number 266 of 588 built and was recently part of the extensive
collection of a dedicated Packard enthusiast and restorer. It is
rare to encounter a Packard Hawk so nicely restored, and this
beautiful example loses none of its original drama. It wears an
older but beautifully preserved, ground-up restoration that took
the previous owner six years to complete. Lovely metallic paintwork
is in very good condition, with smooth, glossy finishes and good
bodywork. Much of the chrome trim is unique to the Packard models,
including the bumpers and wheel covers, which were designed to make
the car look as low as possible. This car's brightwork is in
attractive condition overall, showing some minor polish marks, as
well as some fading on the front bumper. It features dual antennas,
wide whitewall tires, correct Packard wheel covers, and dual
Packard-Hawk outside mirrors. Flashes of gold trim and emblems
mirror the gold applique on the dramatic tail fins. Stepping up
from the Studebaker's vinyl-only upholstery, Packard Hawks received
high-quality leather interiors. Also unique to the Packard are
quilted armrests applied to the tops of the doors and quarter
panels. This car's tan interior is excellent, with attractive
leather upholstery, tidy nylon loop carpets, and superb detailing.
The engine-turned aluminum instrument panel is sporty and
evocative, fitted from new with race-inspired Stewart-Warner
instruments. Studebaker's 289 cubic inch V8 held an advantage over
the 352 Packard V8 in that is was lighter, smaller, and when
equipped with the Paxton supercharger, more powerful. In keeping
with the rest of this car, the engine presentation is tidy and
attractive, with excellent painted fittings and accessories, many
correct decals and labels, and only slight signs of use. This car
is nicely equipped with the Borg-Warner Flight-O-Matic
transmission, power brakes, and power steering, to ensure
effortless high-speed cruising ability. Since its restoration, this
wonderful and rare Packard Hawk was shown in numerous club events
and concours. It earned an AACA National First Prize in 2001, as
well as a Packard Automobile Classics National First Place. It won
an Award of Excellence at the 2000 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance,
was shown at the prestigious Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, and
earned a Best in Show at the 2000 Eastern Packard Club annual meet.
The restoration has mellowed gently with time, and it remains in
highly attractive condition. Misunderstood in its day, the Packard
Hawk has gained newfound appreciation with today's collectors for
its unique looks and surprisingly brisk performance. This is a
marvelous opportunity to acquire an enjoyable, attractive example
of Packard's dramatic swan song.