Vehicle Description
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop
The Studebaker Golden Hawk was produced from 1956 through 1958 with
styling influenced by Raymond Loewy's design studio who used the
shape of the Champion and Commander of the early 1950's as its
beginning point. Only 4,356 Golden Hawks were built in 1957 and
they could outperform and out accelerate the Chrysler 300B, Ford
Thunderbird, and yes, even the Chevrolet Corvette. This was proven
in a test conducted by Speed Age magazine in 1956. Supercharged
Golden Hawks were putting up 0-60 times that would be considered
respectable in today's market.
For consignment, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, a recipient of a
frame off restoration, total engine rebuild of the numbers matching
powerplant, and a title verified 82,745 actual miles on the car.
Not all Golden Hawks were gold, but it is certainly a fitting color
for the model and its unique body shape and drivetrain. The
Studebaker family immigrated from Germany and arrived in
Philadelphia in 1736 and became wagon makers in York, PA. This car,
currently in eastern Pennsylvania, is a descendant of that early
manufacturing.
Exterior
Tiara Gold covers the hawk in spectacular fashion and Artic White
inserts create a bold highlight on the rear panel and onto the tail
fins. The sculpted face seems to have been formed from the wind or
at least bends to it allowing air that isn't inhaled by the grille
and intakes to be funneled over the hood and passed to the side. In
1957, a louvered fiberglass power bulge was added which covers a
hole created to allow room for the supercharger. The raked
windshield flows into the round roof which gives way to the
wraparound rear window, all of which is surrounded by outstanding
polished metal. Other metal and chrome trim is commonplace on the
car with accent trim, a body spear, and gleaming emblems
throughout. From the side, the entire car seems to be leaning back,
as if moving, and the single round tail lights simulate jet
aircraft afterburners. Symmetry is everywhere, from the twin
antennas and dual tail pipes to the side mirrors on both doors,
it's a wonderfully visually balanced car and it's all very clean.
15-inch wheels are body colored under the turbine style hubcaps,
and wide white walls fit the grandeur of the car with classic
appeal. We note a handful of small imperfections in the paint and
some that have chipped off a body panels, otherwise it's
excellent.
Interior
Alternating panels of gold, cream and silver mesh adorn the door
panels in a simple yet classic design with more robust metal trim
on the top and our eyes are drawn to the beautifully patterned sill
plate. In front the split bench in stunning gold vinyl wears a tuck
and roll pattern on thickly padded seats, while 2+2 seating in the
back enjoy a center armrest and requisite ashtray, the sidewalls
continuing the door pattern in an artful arrangement of colors and
textures. We take a break from our gold surroundings to grab the
lovely white steering wheel with black bottom and silver horn ring,
a touch of gold added in the Golden Hawk logo of the center cap.
Sliding down the column we find a thin shifter and its indicator
window, this leading to the machined metal backing of the dashboard
and gauge cluster which includes a vacuum gauge dead center. The
scaled metal panel continues the width of the dash where an AM
radio and its speaker grates fill the middle and a glovebox blends
in under the thick, padded dash cover. Black loop carpet overlays
the floor while yellow texted Studebaker black carpeted mats are an
attractive addition to the footwells. The cream colored headliner
and visors are in excellent condition and the trunk is holding a
fitted plaid mat and spare cover over glossy gold paint.
Drivetrain
A spotless engine bay reveals the numbers matching 289ci V8 and a
McCulloch supercharger that is rated at 275 horsepower. It is
fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and driven by a Borg Warner
Flight-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission. All those horses
head back to the rear wheels where it meets a twin traction
differential with 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are found front and
rear.
Undercarriage
Very clean underneath with no surface rust or dripping oil to
report. Dual exhaust enters stock style mufflers before exiting out
the back via chrome tips. Coil spring suspension is equipped in the
front and leaf springs out back. There is no dirt, no grime, no
grease build up.
Drive-Ability
Perhaps it's the sleek stance and long tail that gives the car an
air of elegance and the interior certainly contributes to the
mystique. But it's also a muscle car in disguise because the engine
is potent and capable. We cruised around our loop to tested
operations and enjoyed the ride, finding only the tachometer and
heater blower not functional.
A relatively rare and unique car that is ready for show, this
Golden Hawk impresses all who gaze upon it. We didn't flog it, but
this is one bird that really flies! And it must have been
impressive pulling up to a fancy steakhouse in the 50's. Here's a
collection quality Studebaker for your consideration. If you invest
in gold, here's some for your portfolio.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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