Vehicle Description
Canyon State Classics is proud to present the 1957 Studebaker
Golden Hawk. These do not come around often so dont miss your
chance to put this classic in your garage! 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Packard's 352 was superseded by the significantly lighter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 12
years in a large and diverse collection of sports cars this
Studebaker was originally a delivered to California where it
remained for many years before going up to Canada in the late 90s
where it was restored between 2007 and 2010. Looking sharp and
attractive in its factory-correct Tuxedo Black with Brushed
Aluminum inserts dual exhaust 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. Receipt shows $9k spent on paint
job! 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. Like the
Starliner before it the Golden Hawk is rakish and low; this car
sitting properly on original steel wheels with original stainless
hubcaps and fresh Firestone Deluxe Champion wide-whitewall
tires.
A rare and desirable black and white glove soft Leather 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 black 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 gauges are updated with
digital speedometer showing under 2,000 miles since restoration.
The original Odometer cluster shows just over 40,000 which is
believed to be original.
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 manual transmission with overdrive and optional
Twin-Traction rear differential. The large stack of receipts shows
overhaul of cooling, brake, suspension, exhaust and carburetor
systems.
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. Call Jon with any questions 480-703-2337
