Studebaker emerged from the Second World War with strong financial prospects. Quickly approaching its centennial, the company that was born in South Bend, Indiana was determined to continue its success into the 1950s. Profits soon began to fall off, however, as Studebaker experienced a gradual decline. Nevertheless, the company introduced the low-slung and very attractive Loewy coupes in 1953, available in Starliner and Starlight variants. Raymond Loewy oversaw development while Robert Bourke executed the actual design. A Speedster version was introduced in 1955 in the top-of-the-line President Series, and was continued in essence the following year in the Hawk series.

From 1956 to 1958 the top-of-the-line version was called the Golden Hawk. The Golden Hawk that is presented here is in outstanding condition. It is powered by the Sweepstakes 289-V-8 engine with a centrifugal-type belt-driven supercharger, increasing the output to 275-hp. It is equipped with a Flight-O-Matic automatic transmission. The car has power steering, independent front suspension, live rear axle and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. The interior is tailored with gold pleated upholstery with black carpet, full instrumentation, machine-turned dash fascia, radio and an electric clock. The exterior is painted in the traditional gold with white fins and embellished with chrome bumpers, trim, whitewall tires and polished wheel covers.

The Golden Hawk is something special; style setting, a pleasure to drive, and a powerful engine just a toe reach away. Studebaker advertised- “This is the car that restores the fun and excitement to luxury motoring.”