1958 Packard Hawk – Project Profile

Before we get into this we need to bestow upon you, dear reader, a little automotive history. For those of you lacking in your early Yank Tank knowledge, both Packard and Studebaker were American auto makers that began life way back in the 19th Century. Yep, as in the 1800s. This makes them bona fide institutions as far as the grand automotive landscape is concerned and over the years both companies managed to produce some fantastic cars. From the early Model S and opulent 12 from Packard, to the bullet-nose Champion and groundbreaking Avanti from Studebaker, fans of these two brands were, and remain, many. So what happens when two towers of industry merge? You get the Packard Hawk of course. Complete with supercharger. Nice.

The mid-fifties was a difficult time for Studebaker with Ford and GM dominating the market so the decision was made to merge with the smaller, but more stable Packard a year later. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough and after management mix ups, restructuring by new owners the Curtiss-Wright Corporation a final run of cars was introduced in’57. Known as ‘Packardbakers’, i.e. Studebakers adorned with various Packard styling cues, the Packard Hawk was an attempt to emulate the Mercedes-Benz models of the time.

Penned by Studebaker designer Duncan McRae, the Packard Hawk was basically a Studebaker Golden Hawk 400 with a new fibreglass front end that featured a low, wide air intake and redesigned bonnet to accommodate the car’s supercharger. Various other nips and tucks, including a faux spare wheel cover, were carried out to further differentiate the Hawk from its donor, although the original luxury interior was retained along with that car’s ‘Jet Stream’ supercharged 4.7-litre V-8 and drivetrain.

What makes these Packard Hawk models special, aside from being sporty, comfortable and inherently satisfying to drive, is the fact that only 588 were ever made, making this particular car an incredibly exclusive proposition.

What is it? 

This 1958 Packard Hawk currently resides in Wiltshire and has been UK registered with a period correct plate since 2000. Commendably original the car runs and drives perfectly, as evidenced by the accompanying video. There is room for improvement, obviously, and the car wears a rather fabulous patina both inside and out with pride but has has covered a mere 77K miles since new.

Why is it a project? 

Despite being mechanically sound and indeed straight and solid underneath there are some bodywork and interior improvements that could, and indeed should, be made to this Packard Hawk. There is some evidence of corrosion to the tail fins, especially on the nearside and as mentioned, the paint does carry some scuffs and blemishes in line with the car’s age. Inside the cabin the upholstery has accrued some wear, the carpets are showing their age and the boot lining would benefit from refurbishment or replacement but the interior is by no means shot.

What should you look for? 

Being an auction listing here on Car & Classic we’ve done all the hard work for you. Not only is everything you should wish to know highlighted in the write-up but there are also hundreds of high quality photographs to pore over, allowing you to bid with confidence. Don’t be put off by that limited production run, however. Despite being rare, these cars do share many parts with the Studebaker Hawk of the same era and so sidestep some the perils usually associated with such rare beasts in the process.

What should you do with it? 

You could no doubt quite happily jump in this Packard Hawk and enjoy the unique whine and reassuring thrust of performance from the V8 engine’s supercharger, the feel of the luxurious leather interior and the comfort of its refined ride, and you wouldn’t be shamed for it. Least of all by us here at Car & Classic. Cars are meant to be driven after all. But, imagine how much better all of that would feel, how those characteristics would be intensified should you fully restore the car to its former glory. This car, let’s face it, is a collectible, speciality classic American from a bygone era. Not only was it a flash in the pan but it also represents the last vestiges of two once great automotive institutions, so give it the love and respect it deserves and treat it to a full recommissioning. You won’t be disappointed.