Rebuilt 289ci V8/Supercharged/3-Speed & OD/Great Driver/End Of An Era

Vehicle Description

1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop
For consignment, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk showing 17,149 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This car has a recently rebuilt 289ci V8, and it's the supercharger and unique body lines that makes it a standout and one of the most iconic cars in the Studebaker line.
Exterior
Along with the compact rounded grille in the center, the front of the car features huge scoops over the bumpers that provide two massive tunnels for air to flow, like a pair of vacuum cleaners at each end, accentuated by a chrome frame, and all of it is in excellent condition. Chrome ringed single headlights are adorned with torpedo-like marker lights that rise like fender ornaments while the hood itself has a power bulge that starts high then tapers down towards the cowl where louvers expel engine heat. In Tiara Gold, the front alone shows out of the box design thinking, but there's so much more. In profile, the roof line follows the design of the hood bulge by starting high, then leaning back down to the wraparound rear window and from there, the white seems to take that windblown energy and disperses it rearward, as if in motion. The ribbed deck lid, Arctic White fins, round tail lights, gold trim, and dual exhaust all work together to form an unmistakable and unforgettable tail. The exterior is in exquisite condition and we could find no glaring flaws.
Interior
Neat horizontal panels with three colors and three textures cover the door panels and the ribbed design on the deck lid carry over to the interior, with a touch of patina on the driver's side. Fit for a king, the vinyl split bench seats cast a golden hue with tuck and roll inserts, presenting in very nice condition as are the 2+2 seats in back that share a center armrest. A solid black steering wheel features a polished horn ring and Studebaker hawk on the center cap with a slim shifter is mounted to the column. In front, a gauge cluster is backed by a spun aluminum dash panel and includes an AM radio with speaker and sporty, round gauges for the time, certainly an influence of European cars. A black dash pad matches the black carpet and both are in outstanding shape, as is the white headliner. The trunk has a used houndstooth vinyl mat and a show ready spare with gold wheel and wheel cover.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, we find a clean rebuilt 289ci supercharged V8 rated at 275 horsepower, astounding output for 1957 when only a handful of cars broke the 200 horsepower ceiling. This engine is fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and backed by a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive and power is sent to the rear wheels with 3.31 gears in a twin traction differential.
Undercarriage
Nice clean driver quality underside with minimal surface rust and just a drop or two of oil on the transmission. There's no build up on knuckles or other wheel components. The dual exhaust flows into stainless steel mufflers before heading to the back where decorative exhaust deflectors cover the straight tailpipes with chrome accents. Coil spring suspension is used up front and leaf springs out back, while drum brakes are found at all four corners.
Drive-Ability
The comfortable cabin provides gobs of visibility through the near pillarless greenhouse and with a prime of the 2-barrel, we crank up the 289 and fly this Hawk out onto the test loop. The ride is soft and there's plenty of power on hand, a luxury sports car with trailing fins that can be seen from the side mirrors as you fly along. The only things we found not working were the radio and the reverse lights and all other items work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
While Studebaker clubs and enthusiasts enjoy a vibrant community, it's likely you'll be one of very few Studebakers at the local car show and often, the only one. The Golden Hawk combines some of the great design cues of the 50's with a narrow body line that would dominate the 60's, plus a supercharged engine that, at the time, could outperform just about anything on the road. Let this one land in your garage and you can be assured of many happy flights ahead.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit or call us at 610-901-3804. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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