275bhp, 289 cu. in. V8 engine with supercharger, three-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 120.5"
Studebaker emerged from the Second World War with strong financial prospects. Quickly approaching its centennial, the company that was born in South Bend, Indiana was determined to continue its success into the 1950s. Profits soon began to fall off, however, as Studebaker experienced a gradual decline. Nevertheless, the company introduced the low-slung and very attractive Loewy coupes in 1953, available in Starliner and Starlight variants. Raymond Loewy oversaw development while Robert Bourke executed the actual design. A Speedster version was introduced in 1955 in the top of the line President series, and was continued in essence the following year in the Hawk series.
The Hawk was the brainchild of Brooks Stevens, a brilliant designer with a unique ability to transform older models into much more modern-looking machinery on a low budget. Based on the 1953 Starliner and its ensuing evolutionary versions, Stevens bolted on a different set of fenders on all four corners, altered the roofline, hood and deck lines, added a Mercedes-Benz style grille and fitted aluminum rocker covers to slim down the body. The fender crown moldings and tail lamps had a Lincoln look and a distinctive touch was the plastic spear that protruded from the top of each of the front fender stainless moldings. The result was a fresh-looking modern coupe -- a prestige 2+2 that would be offered in several models and powertrains.
From 1956 to 1958, the top of the line version was dubbed the Golden Hawk, of which the car presented here is an outstanding example. It benefited from a frame-off restoration before going on to win an AACA National First Place award about eight years ago. The car was recently freshened, both cosmetically and mechanically, and continues to remain in excellent condition throughout, properly cared for and stored in a climate-controlled garage. Of course, as a Golden Hawk variant, it benefits from a supercharger, increasing output to 275 brake horsepower.
Unfortunately, low-slung styling, the stunning Golden Hawk, and even the ensuing Gran Turismo Hawk and Avanti models were unable to save Studebaker from continual decline. Given its older AACA honors this particular Golden Hawk is a superb example of its kind -- a design icon in its own right and an unusual automobile that is rarely offered for sale.
Studebaker emerged from the Second World War with strong financial prospects. Quickly approaching its centennial, the company that was born in South Bend, Indiana was determined to continue its success into the 1950s. Profits soon began to fall off, however, as Studebaker experienced a gradual decline. Nevertheless, the company introduced the low-slung and very attractive Loewy coupes in 1953, available in Starliner and Starlight variants. Raymond Loewy oversaw development while Robert Bourke executed the actual design. A Speedster version was introduced in 1955 in the top of the line President series, and was continued in essence the following year in the Hawk series.
The Hawk was the brainchild of Brooks Stevens, a brilliant designer with a unique ability to transform older models into much more modern-looking machinery on a low budget. Based on the 1953 Starliner and its ensuing evolutionary versions, Stevens bolted on a different set of fenders on all four corners, altered the roofline, hood and deck lines, added a Mercedes-Benz style grille and fitted aluminum rocker covers to slim down the body. The fender crown moldings and tail lamps had a Lincoln look and a distinctive touch was the plastic spear that protruded from the top of each of the front fender stainless moldings. The result was a fresh-looking modern coupe -- a prestige 2+2 that would be offered in several models and powertrains.
From 1956 to 1958, the top of the line version was dubbed the Golden Hawk, of which the car presented here is an outstanding example. It benefited from a frame-off restoration before going on to win an AACA National First Place award about eight years ago. The car was recently freshened, both cosmetically and mechanically, and continues to remain in excellent condition throughout, properly cared for and stored in a climate-controlled garage. Of course, as a Golden Hawk variant, it benefits from a supercharger, increasing output to 275 brake horsepower.
Unfortunately, low-slung styling, the stunning Golden Hawk, and even the ensuing Gran Turismo Hawk and Avanti models were unable to save Studebaker from continual decline. Given its older AACA honors this particular Golden Hawk is a superb example of its kind -- a design icon in its own right and an unusual automobile that is rarely offered for sale.
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RM - Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook
8:00 AM PT - Aug 2nd, 2008
offered by
RM Auctions
5 West Forest Ave
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
