1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop

Inspired by the Raymond Loewy-designed Starlight Coupe of 1953, the Studebaker Golden Hawk arrived three years later and was the first to market a personal luxury car. Power was sourced from Pacakrd's 275 horsepower V8 for 1956 only, and fewer than 4,100 examples were built that year.

This particular example was sold new in April 1957 and left the factory optioned with tinted glass, Stratoline automatic tuning radio, cigar lighter, electric clock, Climatizer and defroster kit, and back-up lamp. The car remained with its original owner until 1995, when its odometer showed just 8,000 miles. Two other owners followed before it entered the care of Leo Schigiel in 2011. Since then, the car has been given a rotisserie restoration and was finished in its original two-tone combination of Sun Glow Gold and Snow Cap White. It was given a matching gold and white vinyl interior.

The 352 cubic-inch overhead-valve V-8 engine has a Carter four-barrel carburetor and delivers 275 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. There is a three-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, and independent front and live rear axle suspension. The engine-turned dashboard has a full complement of instrumentation, including a tachometer and a vacuum gauge.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023