Cars

At the crossroads of the 1950s and 1960s, as luxury coupes gained increasing popularity in the United States, Studebaker – one of the oldest American automobile manufacturers, founded in 1852 as a wagon builder – attempted to establish itself against the Detroit giants. The Hawk series, launched in 1956, marked the brand’s bold response to the Ford Thunderbird and Pontiac Grand Prix: a range of powerful, assertively styled coupes, designed for an audience seeking performance and prestige.

But faced with fierce competition and growing internal difficulties, Studebaker had to adapt its strategy. It was in this context that, in 1962, the Gran Turismo Hawk appeared, the ultimate evolution of the lineage. Designed by the renowned industrial designer Brooks Stevens, the GT Hawk managed to transform an already old chassis by giving it a modernized, almost European look, while retaining the distinctive character of its American origins. Its taut roofline, angular front, clean surface treatment, and restrained use of chrome contrasted with the stylistic exuberance of the era.

Produced only between 1962 and 1964, the GT Hawk somewhat symbolizes Studebaker’s “swan song” before the closure of its South Bend plant in 1963, and then the definitive abandonment of automobile production in 1966. With fewer than 5,000 units produced for the year 1963, the Gran Turismo Hawk is today a rare model, appreciated by collectors for its unique silhouette, its interior refinement, and its smooth-tempered V8 engine.

The example offered for sale is a 1963 Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo, equipped with the 4.7-liter (289 CI) V8 engine with a two-barrel carburetor, coupled with an automatic transmission. It is a car originally delivered in California, in El Cerrito, subsequently imported to the Netherlands, then registered in Belgium. It shows a certified mileage of 70,659 miles, attested by various official documents.

The bodywork has been entirely repainted in an elegant two-tone metallic livery, applied using a multi-layer technique, and the original chrome elements have been carefully preserved. The ensemble is completed by tinted windows, well-fitted body panels, and Bosch H4 headlights. The engine compartment, clean and tidy, attests to rigorous maintenance, with mechanical components (belts, hoses, wiring) in good condition.

The interior, largely original, features red leather upholstery in good condition, enhanced with vinyl and fabric door panels, a vinyl headliner, and a dashboard combining plastic and metal, with a two-spoke steering wheel typical of the era. All instruments are functional, as is the period radio. New carpeting has recently been installed, contributing to a partially renovated interior that remains true to the model’s spirit. Its meticulous presentation, functional mechanics, and complete documentation make it a rare opportunity for enthusiasts of 1960s American cars. Both powerful and elegant, unique without being ostentatious, this Hawk testifies to a pivotal moment in automotive history, and brilliantly embodies the end of an era for Studebaker.

The last owner of this Studebaker was Peter Van Asbroeck