1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk

This 1962 Studebaker Gran Truismo Hawk sports a European design influences with fantastic options and is ready to become your next great American classic! By the early 1960s, Studebaker was struggling as evidenced by a sales drop of over 20 percent in 1961 compared to 1960. Perhaps an even more obvious showing of Studebakers financial troubles is best shown by a comparison of its sales of 103,000 units in 1961, compared to Chevrolet which sold 343,000 Bel Air models; yes, you read that right, a single Chevrolet model outsold the entirety of Studebakers lineup in 1961. Looking to shake things up, Studebakers newly minted president, Sherwood H. Egbert, turned to his friend Brooks Stevens, a renowned industrial designer who transformed Willys passenger car line in the mid-50s, to restyle Studebakers aging Hawk line. The resulting car was sporty yet luxurious, modern yet timeless, and European-looking but still proudly American. In addition to a brand-new look and feel, the Hawk name was also updated from the standard Hawk to the Gran Turismo Hawk (or GT Hawk for short). The new 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk was introduced to the public on the evening of Sunday October 29, 1961, during an advertisement on the famous Mr. Ed television program and the next day the 62 GT Hawk was available for public viewing in Studebakers dealerships nationwide. Despite initially being based on Raymond Loewys gorgeous 53 Starliner Coupe, the 1962 Gran Turismo looked like a brand new car from nearly every angle, both inside and out. At the nose, a brand new stamped grille with large heavy chrome surrounding band gave the new GT an elegant European look up front. Perhaps the most notable changes were visible from the Gran Turismos side profile. The roofline was flattened and squared off, further modernizing the GT Hawks side silhouette. The side beltline trim was also removed in 1962 and replaced with bright rocker panel moldings, providing for a cleaner, updated look as well. Stevens also removed the Hawks b-pillar returning the Hawk to an open hardtop look, something not seen in the Hawk line since 1958. The rear-end treatment was also updated considerably. Stevens design was quick to remove the outdated-looking fins on rear quarter panels. The decklid also sported updated trim comprised of a with a simulated grille design. The rear window was also modernized with a new recessed appearance, completing the modernization of the Hawks exterior. The GT Hawks interiors were also upgraded considerably during the major 62 redesign. 1962 was actually the second year for bucket seats in the Studebaker Hawk and the design for 1962 was significantly updated from the previous year and now featured a center console with a small storage compartment and ashtray incorporated into the layout. The other substantial update occurring in the 62 Gran Turismos interior was the new-look, woodgrain-trimmed, three-panel instrument cluster that almost looked like it was straight out of an airplanes cockpit with a touch of European luxury. While the new 62 Gran Turismo Hawk outsold the 61 Hawks by more the 2.5 times, a mere 9,335 GT Hawks were produced in 1962 which makes this particular example quite a rare piece of automotive history. This particular Gran Turismo comes to us from the hands of a southern based collector who clearly took great care of this classic Studebaker while under their stewardship. Under the hood on this 62 GT Hawk is a 289 cubic inch Studebaker V8 fed by a single 2 barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 210 horsepower when new. The Studebaker 289 is mated to an Automatic transmission that makes this Gran Turismo an easy car for just about anybody to take for a spin around the block. Exhaust exits this Studebakers power plant via dual exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes. This 62 Studebaker GT is loaded with options! With power steering, squeezing into a tight parking space at the local car show or drive-in is almost effortless and can be accomplished one-handed. A pair of chrome outside mirrors further help with parking efforts and improve the overall driving experience because you have improved visibility from the cockpit of this classic Studebaker. Riding on a set of whitewall radial tires mounted on painted steel wheels and accented with full Studebaker wheel covers, this Gran Turismo Hawk has a fantastic look and even better ride cruising down the road. The brightwork around the exterior of this Studebaker GT looks great! The body of this Studebaker Hawk has been refinished in beautiful Ermine White paint that completes the exterior look of the car. The interior of this 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is absolutely gorgeous! The front bucket seats and center console, along with the rear bench seat have been restored in red upholstery that provides a European-inspired look. The matching red and stainless trimmed door panels, red carpeting, steering wheel, and black padded dash all appear to be in wonderful shape as well and all retain a beautiful stock appearance. The three-panel woodgrain-trimmed instrument cluster provides a wide array of instrumentation including a 120 MPH speedometer, 6,000 RPM tachometer, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with a clock, odometer, and turn signal indicators. The perforated metal dash is finished off with a glove box, push-button AM radio, and various other controls. Whether youre buying your very first collector car or youre adding to an existing collection of classic cars, this 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!