Studebaker Hawk Gran Turismo
The Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is one of the most impressive examples of automotive design economy in history — a car that proved a talented designer with a modest budget could create something truly beautiful from aging components. When industrial designer Brooks Stevens was given the task of modernizing the Hawk for 1962 on a shoestring budget, he produced a masterpiece that many consider the most elegant American car of its era.
Stevens' genius was in what he removed rather than what he added. The 1956-1961 Hawks had accumulated increasingly fussy chrome appliqués, fins, and trim in a misguided attempt to keep the basic 1953 Loewy body current. Stevens swept all of this away, creating a clean, Euro-influenced design with a formal Thunderbird-inspired roofline, restrained chrome, and elegant proportions that looked years ahead of the competition. The transformation was so complete that most observers assumed it was an entirely new design.
The Gran Turismo Hawk was powered by Studebaker's 289 cubic inch V8, producing 210 horsepower in standard form or 240 horsepower with the optional R1 package. A four-speed manual or three-speed automatic handled transmission duties, and power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning were available as options. While not a high-performance car in the muscle car sense, the GT Hawk was a genuine grand tourer — comfortable, refined, and capable of covering long distances at high speed with ease.
The interior matched the exterior's elegance, with a well-designed dashboard, comfortable seating, and a level of fit and finish that reflected Studebaker's craftsman heritage. The car rode on a 120.5-inch wheelbase, providing a balanced combination of compactness and interior space.
The Gran Turismo Hawk was produced from 1962 to 1964, when Studebaker closed its South Bend factory. Total production was approximately 14,300 units across three model years, with the 1962 model being the most common. The car was well-received by automotive press and public alike, but Studebaker's financial difficulties meant it could never receive the investment needed to fully realize its potential.
Today, the GT Hawk is recognized as one of the finest American car designs of the 1960s, and Brooks Stevens' achievement in creating such beauty on such a limited budget is widely celebrated in design circles. Values have increased steadily as appreciation for this elegant grand tourer continues to grow.
Rust is the primary concern — check floors, trunk, rocker panels, and lower fenders. The Studebaker 289 V8 is well-supported by the enthusiast community. R1 and R2 engine options are significantly more valuable. Manual transmission cars command a premium. Chrome and trim parts are available through Studebaker Drivers Club vendors. The unique roofline pillars are difficult to repair if damaged.
Approximately 14,300 GT Hawks produced 1962-1964 at South Bend, Indiana. 1962 was the highest-production year. Production ended when the South Bend plant closed in December 1963.