1961 Studebaker Hawk

The Studebaker Hawk was produced from 1956 through 1961 and wore Raymond Loewy-inspired styling. They had an athletic and sporty appearance with a low stance and an aggressive radiator with small fiberglass rear fins. The Sky and Golden Hawks were pillarless hardtops, while the Flight and Power models were pillared coupes.

When introduced, the power came from a 185 cubic-inch L-head six-cylinder or a 259 cubic-inch V8 (or a 289 CID V8). The Golden Hawk was fitted with a 352 CID V8, which offered 275 horsepower and nearly 380 ft-lb of torque.

Over the years, Studebaker reduced the number of options to just the Golden Hawk and Silver Hawk. Exterior styling and mechanical updates were also applied over the years. In 1957, the Packard engine was no longer available in favor of the belt-driven, supercharged 289 CID V8. The following year the 185 CID engine was replaced by a 170 CID six. In 1960 the 225 horsepower 289 CID V8 returned as standard.

A 4-speed floor shift manual transmission became standard in 1961. Studebaker produced a total of 78,664 cars in 1961. Studebaker also produced a limited edition Studebaker Hawk called the 'Gran Turismo' and featured a four-barrel carbureted V8 mated to a four-speed transmission. They also had a dash plaque with the owner's name engraved on it. This model was different from the Gran Turismo Hawks that was offered between 1962 through 1964.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013