1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo

Description

Studebaker isn't quite mainstream, but there are a lot of guys who really dig their performance/luxury coupes like this 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo resto-mod. Dramatic styling, strong performance from a 350 cubic inch V8, and all the luxury features you'd expect, including factory A/C, make this a wonderful alternative to the usual '60s hardware.

This particular GT has a cool look that's not highly modified but definitely updated. Still looking good enough for casual shows and driving events, and among all those Brand X cars, it's definitely going to stand out. The bright green metallic paint is highlighted by the white top and hood insert, giving it a long, low look that really shows of the Euro-inspired design. It's a modern urethane finish that looks right on the vintage sheetmetal, not too shiny and a bright color that gets attention, which always helps an old car's image. There's the slightest hint of a hood scoop up front and the final vestiges of tail fins out back, so the car is a perfect representative of the early '60s and it's in the details where this car really shines. Check out the contrasting insert in the deck lid, the chrome trim running along the tops of the fenders, and the center-mounted emblem on the trunk, all things that make this car stand out in a crowd. We're guessing that much of the chrome and stainless was restored when the car was painted and it shines up nicely with a soft patina that works well with the overall look.

The clean interior has been updated to match the performance living underneath. The front seats are not quite buckets but not a bench, either, and the light green cloth upholstery is beautifully detailed with proper piping and pleats that are period-perfect. Nice black carpets and beautiful door panels with cool engine-turned trim make it inviting and the wrap-around instrument panel puts the focus on the driver. A full array of Dolphin gauges also have an old school look and you'll note that it features accessory under-dash A/C that still blows ice cold. The black finish on the dash is restrained and elegant, with some stitching that gives it a European look that works well with the car's overall demeanor. The original AM radio is still in the center of the dash, but if this were our car to keep, we'd update that part next to make this the ultimate road trip car. The back seat looks almost completely unused and the large trunk offers green carpet and a matching full-sized spare tire assembly.

The 350 cubic inch V8 has no relation to the original Studebaker powerplant, but it has the same smooth power and torque that makes the Studebaker fun to drive. Modern equipment ensures reliability and performance and the transplant is clean enough that it almost looks like it was born there. Modern accessories, an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, new front disc brakes, Unisteer rack-and-pinion steering, and a big aluminum radiator make it feel far more contemporary than you'd expect. It's backed by a TH400 3-speed automatic transmission and a Nova front clip, making this a great touring car. The dual exhaust system features mellow-sounding mufflers and you can see how clean it is with just a glance underneath. Weld polished aluminum wheels and staggered 215/65/15 front and 265/50/15 rear BFGoodrich radials look great and improve handling in a noticeable way.

With just over 4000 Gran Turismos built in 1962, this is a rather rare piece and is just right for the guy who wants a car that he can enjoy and tinker with on the weekends. Call today!