Between 1956 and 1958, a well-known company produced 9,305 Golden Hawks, a stylish two-door, five-seater hardtop with ample power. However, it did not gain recognition as a muscle car during that time period, mainly because the concept of muscle cars did not exist yet. Instead, it was marketed as a family car with a sporty demeanor.
Unlike the Corvette and T-Bird, which were both two-seaters, the Golden Hawk offered a family-friendly option. The Chrysler 300, although luxurious and performance-oriented, came with a high price tag and was only available to a select few who could afford it. Recognizing the opportunity, Studebaker entered the market with a reasonably priced car that boasted an attractive design and a powerful engine. While it may not have matched the aircraft-inspired V8 of the Chrysler, which would later become legendary in the sixties, the Golden Hawk still possessed enough strength to make it a worthwhile choice.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk combined eye-catching aesthetics with a robust eight-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, its success was short-lived due to the economic downturn of 1958, known as the Eisenhower recession. The company was already facing financial difficulties following an ill-fated merger with Packard. The recession further hindered the Golden Hawk’s prospects, leading to its discontinuation after just three years. The most successful year for the model was 1957, with a total of 4,356 units produced, slightly surpassing the 4,071 units assembled in its debut year.
Initially, the car was equipped with a Packard V8 engine displacing 352 cubic inches (5.8 liters) and delivering 275 horsepower. This power output exceeded the needs of its competitors, such as the Corvette, T-Bird, and 300B. In a comparison test conducted by Speed Age magazine in July 1956, the Studebaker Golden Hawk outperformed the other three cars in terms of acceleration (0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds) and top speed (125 mph – 202 kph) in the standing quarter-mile sprint.
One year later, the Packard engine was replaced with a Studebaker 289 V8. Despite its smaller size, this engine produced the same power output of 275 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque (448 Nm). These were impressive figures for a compact engine, but the Golden Hawk had an additional advantage. Instead of relying on the traditional Detroit principle of “there is no replacement for displacement,” Studebaker opted for forced induction.
In 1957, the Studebaker Golden Hawk introduced a supercharger, which enhanced the performance of its nearly square V8 engine (with a bore of 3 9/16 inches and a stroke of 3 5/8 inches, or 90.4 × 92.2 mm). The addition of the supercharger not only improved the engine’s capabilities but also reduced its weight. The ’57 Golden Hawk offered various exterior colors, including an Aztec Gold livery. One particular model of the car served as the inspiration for a four-and-a-half-year restoration project.
This model, however, refers to a scaled-down toy version of the original car. A couple enthusiastically engaged in the world of car games, resulting in the creation of this miniature replica. The video below, captured by Lou Costabile at the Arizona Concours d’Elegance in January, showcases the couple’s passion and dedication to their hobby.
The woman expressed her desire for an automobile, and her husband fulfilled it by purchasing a scaled-down replica of a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk. However, the wife insisted on acquiring an authentic version of the car. Prior to the economic downturn in 2008, the couple managed to find not one, but two examples of the vehicle. They named them Adam and Eve, and eventually used Adam as a source of spare parts for the restoration process.
Between the years 2011 and 2016, Eve underwent an extensive and meticulous rebuilding process. This resulted in significant modifications to the car, taking it beyond its original factory specifications and placing it in the restomod category. At first glance, there are no visible indications of these changes. However, upon opening the hood, it becomes evident that this is no ordinary Studebaker.
The engine remains the same 289 V8 (4.7-liter) that was originally installed on the assembly line, and the McCulloch supercharger is the authentic component. Although later Studebaker models referred to this equipment as the Paxton blower, it is essentially the same thing. Initially, the superchargers were marketed under the name of their inventor, Robert Paxton McCulloch.
The engine bay of this particular Golden Hawk is the highlight of this classic vehicle. Even assembly-line cars would be envious of its flawless condition. The owners, Cindy and Peter, have done an exceptional job in preserving the car’s integrity. For example, the process of cleaning just one steel wire wheel takes over 90 minutes. However, this is the joy of owning a classic car – it garners attention and admiration wherever it goes.
Since the restoration was completed, the odometer displays a mere 571 miles (919 km), which equates to an average of just over 70 miles (110 km) per year. Considering the rarity of this 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, it is remarkable that it is driven at all, even when it was brand new.
According to the Source autoevolution.com