Summary

Grand Tourer restored in Tiara Gold with Arctic White coves. Powered by a McColloch-supercharged 289/275hp V8 engine mated to a Flight-O-Matic transmission.

Details

Touted as the 'Family Sports Car,' the new Golden Hawk was one of the most distinctive performance cars of the late 1950s era. Packard's big 352ci V8 engine gave the Golden Hawk impressive straight-line performance, but it was also quite heavy, and the enormous weight over the front axle translated into questionable handling. For the 1956 model year, the Studebaker-designed 289ci V8 engine replaced the Packard Eight, and the addition of a belt-driven McCullough supercharger allowed the 289ci engine to punch out a very stout 275hp and 333 ft/lbs of torque. Over 100 pounds were shed from over the front axle, making the four-seat Golden Hawk surprisingly quick and agile. It could easily outperform both the Ford Thunderbird and Chevrolet Corvette in a straight line, and now had vastly improved handling to hang with its two-seat rivals on twisty roads. The body retained the old roofline of the Starliner but was brought in vogue with fiberglass fins, a hood bulge to clear the blower, and a unique trunk lid with a fluted rear panel. This 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk has been fully restored and is highly detailed with period-correct accessories and options, and is finished in Tiara Gold with Arctic White coves and a gold interior. Accessories include dual antennas, dual outside mirrors and turbine-style wheel covers with wide whitewalls. Other options include a push-button radio, Flight-O-Matic transmission, power steering and Twin-Traction rear axle. The interior features two-tone gold and Fawn upholstery. With unique Jet-Age style and the grunt to back it up, this Golden Hawk certainly lives up to the 'Family Sports Car' moniker its creators gave it.