1962 Studebaker Hawk 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 Hawk Gran Turismo. Dramatic styling, strong performance from a 289 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 Hawk has a rather interesting story, coming out of the estate of Lambert C. Mims, the former mayor of Mobile, Alabama. It's been faithfully restored at some point and still looks good and is ideally suited for casual shows and driving events. The dark blue paint is highlighted by the white top, giving it a long, low look that really shows of the Euro-inspired design. It's an older repaint that looks right on the vintage sheetmetal, not too shiny and a correct color that doesn't look modern, 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 anodized insert in the deck lid, the chrome trim running along the tops of the fenders, and the center-mounted radio antenna 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.

I'm not sure if it's possible, but the two-tone black and white interior is even more dramatic than the bodywork. The front seats are not quite buckets but not a bench, either, and the upholstery is beautifully detailed with white piping and headrests that were well ahead of the industry. Nice black carpets and beautiful door panels with big, red Studebaker emblems make it inviting and the wrap-around instrument panel puts the focus on the driver. A full array of gauges also have a European look and you'll note that it features accessory A/C that still blows ice cold. The metallic finish on the dash has an intricate pattern that looks expensive and the padded dash has a sporting look that works well with the car's overall demeanor. The back seat looks almost completely unused and the large trunk offers a full-sized spare with its own cover.

The 289 cubic inch V8 has no relation to Ford's more famous powerplant, but it has the same smooth power and torque that makes the Hawk fun to drive. The big A/C compressor dominates the engine bay and it's been wisely upgraded with a late-model alternator. Yellow valve covers were a Studebaker trademark for several years, and with a 2-barrel carburetor, the 289 runs extremely well. It's backed by an automatic transmission and a sturdy rear end with highway-friendly gears inside, making the Hawk a great touring car. The dual exhaust system features new mufflers and intermediate pipes and has a soft V8 rumble, and with power steering and power brakes it's as easy to handle as your daily driver. Steel wheels with hubcaps and 215/75/15 whitewall radials look great and improve the ride in a noticeable way.

With just over 4000 Hawk GTs 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!