Description
At the crossroads of the 1950s and 1960s, when luxury coupes were becoming increasingly popular in the United States, Studebaker - one of the oldest American car manufacturers, founded in 1852 as a wagon manufacturer - was trying 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, stylish coupés designed for a public seeking performance and prestige. But faced with fierce competition and growing internal difficulties, Studebaker had to adapt its strategy. It was against this backdrop that the Gran Turismo Hawk, the ultimate evolution of the line, appeared in 1962. Designed by the famous industrial designer Brooks Stevens, the GT Hawk succeeded in metamorphosing an already old chassis by giving it a modernised, almost European look, while retaining the distinctive character of its American origins. Produced only between 1962 and 1964, the GT Hawk was in some ways Studebaker's 'swan song' before the closure of its South Bend factory in 1963 and the definitive end of car production in 1966. With fewer than 5, 000 units produced in 1963, the Gran Turismo Hawk is now a rare model, prized by collectors for its unique silhouette, refined interior and supple V8 engine. The car offered for sale is a 1963 Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo, equipped with a 4. 7-litre (289 CI) V8 engine with twin-barrel carburettor, coupled to an automatic gearbox. The car was originally delivered in California, at El Cerrito, and was subsequently imported into the Netherlands and registered in Belgium. It has a certified mileage of 70, 659 miles, as attested by various official documents. The bodywork has been completely repainted in an elegant two-tone metallic livery, applied using a multi-layer technique, and the original chrome elements have been carefully preserved. The package is completed by tinted windows, well-fitted body panels and Bosch H4 headlamps. The engine compartment is clean and tidy, reflecting rigorous maintenance, with mechanical components (belts, hoses, wiring) in good condition. The interior, which is largely original, features red leather upholstery in good condition, enhanced by skai and fabric door panels, a vinyl headliner, and a dashboard combining plastic and metal, with a two-spoke steering wheel typical of the period. All the instruments are functional, as is the period radio. A new carpet has recently been fitted, contributing to an interior that has been partially refurbished but remains faithful to the spirit of the model. Its meticulous presentation, functional mechanics and comprehensive documentation make it a rare opportunity for lovers of American cars from the 1960s. At once powerful and elegant, singular without being ostentatious, this Hawk bears witness to a pivotal moment in automotive history, and brilliantly embodies the end of an era for Studebaker.
