Vehicle Description
1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R1 Coupe
After a radical facelift in 1962, the GT Hawks also received
revised interiors and in 63, the Jet-Thrust R-series V8's were
offered either as the normally aspirated 289ci as part of the R1
package, a supercharged version rated at 289 horsepower, and a rare
R3 supercharged 304ci model with 304 horsepower. Good power was a
lofty achievement for Studebaker and its European influenced design
was reserved for a handful of buyers. In '63, just 4,634 GT's were
sold.
For consignment, a 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk R1 coupe
dressed in black and rowed to motion via a 4-speed manual
transmission. This is not the Playstation version of Gran Turismo
and in fact, we doubt this car is available in the simulated game.
This is a real and rare R1 Hawk and while Classic Auto Mall has had
the honor of representing many Studebaker Hawks over the years,
this is the first R1 to grace our Hallowed Halls.
Exterior
Uniquely Studebaker with its British inspired grille, Gran Turismo
tri colored badge, and hood that conforms to the shape of the
grille, creating deep air tunnels on each side. Our car is bathed
in two stage Velvet Black and is adorned with plenty of bright
metal trim and features unique to a Studebaker. Single round
headlights flank the grille and just below more "squashed mesh"
openings house the new for 1963 round turn signal light. A chrome
bumper in fine shape and the windshield has a large, polished
frame; a wide ribbed C-pillar trim piece delineates the rear
quarter on either side. The rear glass is inset forming a small
overhang in the back. The sleek trunk deck has a large stainless
ribbed panel on the back with the Twin Traction emblem, signifying
the car is supplied with an axle similar to limited slip. Below in
a black field are the Studebaker Hawk letters running across the
panel. The rear bumper is looking good and shiny, vertical
taillights just above hinting at fins, and square dual exhaust peek
out underneath. Nice scalloped S badged wheel covers dress up the
15-inch wheels, encircled in red and the red is picked up on a
"Avanti Powered" badge on the front fender. Gold Gran Turismo badge
in script along with the tri-colored badge adorns the doors and
during our observation, we note no glaring faults on the exterior
of this car.
Interior
Door panels start us out with pleated uppers, a brushed aluminum
panel streaking through the center housing the small armrest, and
black carpeting on the door lowers, all in great shape except for
one loose end pleat on the drivers' door. Inside, low back wide
buckets, standard for the GT, are also in black vinyl and are
flanking a center console with armrest and ashtray. In the back is
a big bench with more vertical pleats, a pulldown center armrest,
and the door pattern flowing on the sidewalls. A black and white
steering wheel contains a horn ring that summons the rear decklid
plate, somewhat rectangular, leading to a stunning dashboard,
backed with wood veneer, canted towards the driver, and containing
a high end array of gauges with metal name plates. Outside the main
cockpit, an AM radio takes its place in the wood panel, and a gold
hawk is affixed to the wood glove box door. A simple, stout, white
knobbed shifter is floor mounted and surrounded by black loop
carpet in great condition. Polished braces dress the white
perforated headliner for just that extra bit of classy detail, and
it looks fantastic. The trunk is lined with a plaid mat and houses
a red-rimmed spare, all clean.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, an equally clean engine is housed in a spotless
bay. This is the 289ci V8 rated at 240 horsepower and fueled by a
4-barrel carburetor. The air filter cover and valve covers are
chrome, and the fan shroud is glossy black. A Borg Warner 4-speed
manual transmission is behind it all and sends power to a Dana 44
out back with 3.31 gears and Twin Traction. Power brakes are in
demand and comprise of disc up front and drum in back.
Undercarriage
Super clean underneath as well with no surface rust, grease build
up, road dirt, or errant fluids anywhere. We see one drop of oil
near the drain plug. Dual exhaust enters some red Cherrybomb
muffler on their way to the back. Coil spring suspension is up
front and leaf springs in back.
Drive-Ability
It's not every day you get to test a GT Hawk. This one will make
anyone a Studebaker fan. It performed as it should, solid braking,
nice smooth acceleration, and the 4-speed is a bonus. All functions
in this clean car work as intended. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
Is it a luxury car, a muscle car, or a grand tourer? Well, it's a
bit of each. A unique blend of external design, internal opulence,
and a capable V8. Call the rare bird alert because this one just
landed in our hall and like a warbler passing through, likely won't
be here long. Classic Auto Mall recently hosted the Studebaker
Drivers Club, Keystone Region and we sure hope they got a good look
at this one!
63V17646
63-1963
V-Gran Turismo Hawk V8
17646-Sequential Unit Number
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
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
