1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Description

The stunning styling of the Studebaker Golden Hawk has always been a revered piece of American engineering. Sure, the original versions were fun, but this 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk hardtop now features a stout small block Chevy V8 and all the modern conveniences, without losing its stunning good looks. That's a win-win if you ask us!

The Golden Hawk must have been something when it hit the streets in 1956. Where everything else was conservative and staid, the Stude was sleek, low, and beautifully proportioned. It wasn't a sports car, of course, but an early grand touring coupe, making it perfect for a makeover. This one shows excellent bodywork wrapped in a lovely pearl white paint job that's both flashy and sophisticated, perfect for the Hawk's shape. Fit and finish are good all around, and despite a few signs of use and age, it still cuts a dashing profile and draws attention wherever it goes. Chrome and stainless trim is a big part of any '50s car's appeal, and this Studebaker is no exception, offering lots of the bright stuff to really make the details stand out. The grille was similar to other Studebaker products, the subtle hood scoop added a sporty attitude, and the cool little parking lights atop the front fenders are just plain awesome. Then there's the little kick-up behind the doors, the perfect transition into the modest tail fins, and it's finished with "Golden Hawk" script on the trunk lid, just in case you didn't know what it was.

The handsome interior has been thoroughly updated, giving it a clean, modern look without losing the spirit of the original design. Bucket seats flank a custom center console, and the original dash has been extensively reworked. A tilt column with a beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel is elegant and comfortable and the original gauges are replaced with white-faced VDO dials. Amenities like an under-dash A/C unit, cup holders, and a great-sounding AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo are all part of the package. The A/C blows cold, so this is the kind of car you can take on a long-distance haul with ease, and everything inside the car is nicely finished and showing only minimal wear, so it's sure to get its share of complements at shows. The rear seat appears to be original and is strictly for two passengers, and the trunk is definitely big enough for all your gear on a road trip.

A reliable 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 replaces the original 352 V8. It's a clean installation, with much of the wiring tucked neatly out of sight and a lot of color-matched components. There are also some polished aluminum details and upgrades like power steering and power front disc brakes make it feel quite contemporary on the road. The front suspension is a modern Mustang II setup with rack-and-pinion steering, while the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission feeds that might be the stock Studebaker rear end that still hangs on original leaf springs. A muted dual exhaust gives the clean coupe just the right sound and it sits easily on those polished Billet Specialties aluminum wheels with 215/65/15 blackwall radials.

Studebakers aren't for everyone, but it's easy to fall for a car that looks this good and runs this well. Maybe go off the beaten track for a while and see what Studebaker's best effort can do. Call today!