In July of 1956, Speed Age magazine ran the article “Jimmy Race Track Tests America’s ’56 Sports Cars” in which a Studebaker Golden Hawk was put head-to-head against Chrysler’s 300 B, Ford’s Thunderbird, and Chevrolet’s Corvette. It was in this test that the Golden Hawk soared, outperforming the competition in both the 0–60 mph and the ¼-mile acceleration tests, recording an impressive 7.5-second sprint and a top speed of 125 mph, respectively.

The 1957 model year saw a number of improvements to what was an already very solid platform. The most notable change was the replacement of the Packard 352-cubic inch V-8 with a Studebaker 289-cubic inch V-8 with a McCulloch supercharger. Despite the lower displacement, the power output remained at 275 horsepower, leading to notable advancement in performance.

Only 4,356 Golden Hawks were produced in 1957, as sales for the model, along with sales of other luxury sports coupes, were being severely hindered by the Eisenhower Recession of 1958. This represented the end of an era for Studebaker, as the company would exit the automotive business a few short years later in 1966.

This Golden Hawk is a tastefully restored and well-maintained example, having spent a majority of its time in both California and Nevada. Originally sent to a Hollywood dealer in April 1957, the car was later sold in 1987 from its home in Riverside, California, to Don Cox, an enthusiast who would become president of The Beach Cities Inland Empire Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club. The car was then sold in 1996 to its current owner, with whom it moved to Arizona and later Nevada.

Currently showing only 60,000 miles, this Studebaker has been meticulously maintained by its current enthusiast owner. In January of 2010, mechanical work was performed by renowned McCulloch supercharger specialist John Erb, of Carson City, Nevada. The original impeller was replaced with a larger unit to provide the already powerful car with additional boost from the supercharger for improved drivability. Additionally, in March 2010, a custom glasspack exhaust system was installed by LT Mufflers & Brakes, of Reno, Nevada, for a more aggressive sound to accompany the already enhanced performance. Additional cosmetic freshening was undertaken by KC Auto Body, of Santa Ana, California, who completely re-plated the chrome and gold trim. Originally finished in Tiara Gold (P5714), the car was recently repainted in the same style with a PPG base coat and a clear coat to bring out the luster of the iconic gold factory color.

Inside the car, Quality Upholstery, also of Reno, Nevada, spared no expense in bringing the interior to a better-than-new standard. The current owner has added a number of convenience features as well, to aid with both maintenance and enjoyment of the Studebaker. For instance, a convenience panel was added in the carpeting to check the fluid levels, a task that previously required removing the upholstery to gain access. A transistor radio was also added, replacing the stock radio, though tastefully done to appear as a factory installation.

Including such features as the Slide-o-Matic automatic transmission, Twin-Traction differential, Solex factory window tint, power steering, and the rare twin rear-mounted antennas, this Studebaker represents a fine example of the short-lived but high-flying supercharged Golden Hawk.