1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop

This was America's first family-size sports car - only 878 were manufactured. It has a variable-speed centrifugal supercharger that produces 275 hp. The car has Sports car instrument panel gauges and unique rear fins, and hood air scoop styling. Twin traction directs driving force to either rear wheel with best traction.

Studebaker observed its 100th Anniversary in 1952, a turning point for America's oldest vehicle maker. It began as the world's largest producer of horse-drawn vehicles, which ended in 1902. Five Studebaker brothers founded the company, which closed its doors in 1966.

The Golden Hawk was produced for just three years: 1956-1958. It was marketed as 'America's only family-size sports car.' In 1958, only 878 were produced. The Hawk delivered 275 horsepower from its 289 V8 supercharged engine. Its European styling featured hood air-scoops, rear fins, and a sports car instrument panel. The car sold for $3,710 new.

This Studebaker was sold new by the current owners' father's Studebaker Dealership in Ohio (Parsons Sales and Service - East Liverpool, Ohio). This vehicle was stored in the basement of the current owner's grandmother, and when his uncle died in 1967, he took the title to the car with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. It remained in storage until 2000 when he began a 3-year off-frame restoration.

This car is one of five finished in optional factory shades of Shadowtone Red and Jewel Beige. The interior features new old stock interior fabrics with broadcloth inserts. European styling touches abound, including a hood scoop with louvers, rear fins with more louvers and a silver machine-tuned dash with full Stewart-Warner instrumentation.

The last year for the Golden Hawk was 1958, and only 878 were produced. It was marketed as 'America's first family sports car seating five.'