Studebaker emerged from World War II 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.

The Hawk was the brainchild of Brooks Stevens, a brilliant designer with a unique ability to transform older models into much more modern-looking machinery on a low budget. Based on the 1953 Starliner and its ensuing evolutionary versions, Stevens bolted on a different set of fenders on all four corners, altered the roofline, hood and deck lines, added a Mercedes-Benz style grille and fitted aluminum rocker covers to slim down the body. The fender crown moldings and taillamps had a Lincoln look and a distinctive touch was the plastic spear that protruded from the top of each of the front fender stainless moldings. The result was a fresh-looking modern coupe – a prestige 2+2 that would be offered in several models and powertrains.

From 1956 to 1958 the top-of-the-line version was called the Golden Hawk. This Bombay Red Golden Hawk is powered by the 289-cid V-8 engine with a centrifugal-type belt-driven McCulloch 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. This Studebaker is an outstanding example. It benefited from a frame-off restoration before going on to win an AACA National First Place award about 15 years ago. The car has been freshened, both cosmetically and mechanically, and continues to remain in excellent condition throughout, properly cared for and stored in a climate-controlled garage.

The interior is tailored with red pleated upholstery with tri-toned door panels, black flooring and padded dash. The rear seat layout shares the one-piece seat back, but the cushions are separate and the center armrest/console leaves one with the impression of rear “bucket” seats. The dash exhibits full instrumentation (including tachometer), machine-turned dash fascia, radio and an electric clock. The red exterior displays white fin inserts and is embellished with chrome bumpers, chrome exhaust tips, bright trim moldings, louvered hood, gold-toned badging, whitewall tires and polished wheel covers.

Publicized as being sports car adventure for the entire family; the exciting Studebaker Golden Hawk was a dream come true for those that wanted to share their special motoring moments with family and friends close at hand, the supercharged Golden Hawk could seat up to five. 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.”

Unfortunately, low-slung styling, the stunning Golden Hawk, and even the ensuing Gran Turismo Hawk and Avanti models were unable to save Studebaker from continual decline. Given its older AACA honors this particular Golden Hawk is a superb example of its kind – a design icon in its own right and an unusual automobile that is rarely offered for sale.