Vehicle Description
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop
In the Studebaker-Packard Hawk series, there were eight different
Hawk models between 1956 and 1964. Just over 80,000 Hawks were
built during its nine year run, and although never a big seller,
the Hawk has become one of Studebaker's most iconic automobiles and
remains tremendously popular today. The 1956 Golden Hawk was the
first Studebaker automobile to feature tail fins. The '56 Golden
Hawk's fins were made of fiberglass, while '57 and later Hawk fins
were steel." Thx to studebakermuseum.org
For consignment, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk with a supercharged
289ci V8, unique body lines that makes it a standout, newer tires,
and an older restoration making it a car for show and go.
Exterior
Along with the compact, rounded grille in the center, the front of
the car features huge scoops over the bumpers that provide two
massive tunnels for air to flow, like a pair of vacuum cleaners at
each end, accentuated by a chrome frame. Single headlights are
chrome rimmed also and are adorned with torpedo-like marker lights
that rise like fender ornaments while the hood itself has a power
bulge that starts high, tapers down towards the cowl where louvers
expel engine heat. In Tiara Gold, the front alone shows out of the
box design thinking, but there's so much more! In profile, the roof
line follows the design of the hood bulge by starting high, then
leaning back down to the wrap-around rear window and from there,
the white seems to take that windblown energy and disperses it
rearward, as if in motion standing still. The ribbed deck lid, the
fins, round taillights, and dual exhaust all work together to form
an epic rear view. Overall, the metalwork and paint are presentable
on the car but do show with waviness. Imperfections include uneven
paint, orange peel, various scratches and chips, particularly on
the rocker panels, bubbling, and evidence of some body work.
Interior
Neat horizontal panels with three colors and three textures cover
the door panels and the ribbed design on the decklid carry over to
the interior. The saddle colored vinyl split bench seats cast a
golden hue with tuck and roll inserts, presenting very nicely as
are the 2+2 seats in back which share a center armrest. An ivory on
black steering wheel features a polished horn ring and Studebaker
hawk on the center cap and a slim shifter is mounted to the side of
the column. In front, a gauge cluster is backed by a machined metal
dash panel and includes an AM radio with speaker openings in the
center. Overall, the interior has more of a 60's feel, so the
Studebaker was clearly ahead of its time. Tightly woven carpet
covers the floors and is in nice shape and the white headliner,
although creased in some places, is clean and intact.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, we find a clean 289ci supercharged V8 rated at 275
horsepower, astounding output for 1957 when only a handful of cars
broke the 200 horsepower ceiling. This engine is fueled by a
2-barrel carburetor and backed by a Borg Warner Flight O Matic
3-speed automatic transmission and power is sent to the rear wheels
and 3.31 gears. Drum brakes are found at all four corners.
Undercarriage
Nice, clean driver quality underside with minimal surface rust and
only hints of residual oil. There's no build up on knuckles or
other wheel components. We note some oil sling by the U-joint. The
dual exhaust flows into glasspack style mufflers before heading to
the back where decorative exhaust deflectors cover the straight
tailpipes with chrome accents. Coil spring suspension is used up
front and leaf springs out back.
Drive-Ability
The comfortable cabin provides gobs of visibility through the near
pillarless greenhouse and with a prime of the 2-barrel, we crank up
the 289 and fly this Hawk out onto the test loop. The ride is soft
and there's plenty of power on hand, a luxury sports car with
trailing fins that can be seen from the side mirrors as you fly
along. The only things we found not working were the radio and the
reverse lights and all other items work as they should. 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.
While Studebaker clubs and enthusiasts enjoy a vibrant community,
it's likely you'll be one of very few Studebakers at the local car
show and often, the only one. The Golden Hawk combines some of the
great design cues of the 50's with a narrow body line that would
dominate the 60's, plus a supercharged engine that, at the time,
could outperform just about anything on the road. Let this one land
in your garage and we can almost guarantee many happy flights
ahead.
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!
