Chassis no. 6103897

289-cid, 275-hp supercharged OHV V-8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120.5-inches

For 1956, Studebaker restyled all sedan and wagon bodies to look more like other American cars, but limited the coupes’ update to a nose- and tail-makeover. The result was the Studebaker Hawk, with a Mercedes-like grille, fiberglass fins, a slight bustle trunklid and an array of engines from an L-head six-cylinder up to a 352-cid Packard V-8.

The Packard engine was an interim solution, as were the fiberglass fins. For 1957, curvaceous steel fins made their debut, and since the Packard engine had gone out of production the engines were all-Studebaker. Stude’s own V-8 had reached its displacement limit, so a McCulloch supercharger was added, resulting in nearly one brake horsepower per cubic inch displacement.

This 1957 Golden Hawk, representing the top of the line, has the supercharged engine and a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The damascened dashboard has white-on-black instruments and an AM radio. The only other option is a foot-operated windshield washer.

White with gold insets on the fins, the car has very good contours and paint, and brightwork that generally is very good, but for some aging of stainless sections. The seats are gold pleated leather, while dark gray carpet lines the floor. The engine compartment is tidy and well detailed. A sign of the times adheres to the back of the car: a bumper sticker declaring “I Like Ike.”

Just 4,356 Studebaker Golden Hawks were built in 1957. This one, with supercharger and overdrive transmission, is one of the most sought-after, offering excellent performance with economy on the highway. It will feel right at home in most any collection.