The Hawk name first appeared on Studebakers in 1956 and evolved over various iterations, of which the Golden Hawk was the top-of-the-line offering until 1961. The final generation made its debut for 1962 and caused quite a stir with its new lines and Thunderbird-style roof that provided full seating for four passengers. Named the Gran Turismo Hawk, it was offered as a two-door hardtop over a three-year production period.

The standard powerplant on these cars was a 210 horsepower Thunderbolt V-8. Beginning in 1963, the Avanti’s Jet Thrust R-Series engines were available as well, including the Paxton supercharged R2, which produced about 300 horsepower. This was the same year that Studebaker set numerous speed records with its R-Series engines at Bonneville. Displacing only 289 cubic inches, the R2 V-8 engine was one of the smallest offered industry-wide in 1964. Yet, with its half-point rise in compression, a four-barrel carburetor, a slightly wider cam with solid lifters and a Paxton SN60 supercharger, the R2 package made the GT Hawk a formidable performer, to be sure.

According to the previous owner, this particular Hawk was built on the first day of 1964 production, September 4, 1963, and was exclusively featured at the New York Auto Show. Its serial number indicates it is an early 1964 V-8-powered Studebaker, and the current owner also has a copy of the original build sheet, which confirms chassis 64V1085 was delivered new with item number 37, the “high performance package R2,” finished in the same color combination it sports today, complete with a black sports roof and pushbutton radio. A binder accompanying the car also contains newsletter articles about this car from the Studebaker Club. Furthermore, it is believed this car is one of the fully optioned, high performance examples that came complete with 160-mph speedometer and special badges, among other cosmetic enhancements. All told, only about 46 Gran Turismo Hawks for 1964 were equipped with the supercharged R2 engine and high performance package such as this car, of which it is estimated only about five remain in existence.

An older restoration that remains in nice condition both cosmetically and mechanically, it has also won several awards, including the National Studebaker Award and AACA First Junior, Senior and National awards. Most importantly, in 2006, the car competed for and won an AACA Grand National Award. It is an outstanding and very rare example through and through.