1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo (GT) Hawk

There are simply too many cars in the collection of Studebaker, Avanti, and Novas.   The decision has been made to sell three more of the cars, this GT Hawk, and later a unique 1956 Golden Hawk and a 1954 hard top commander.  Hopefully, the next generation will be able to enjoy them as none of them are being adequately driven at this time.

Offered up for sale at his time is a frame-off restored 1963 Studebaker GT Hawk.

Standard equipment on the 1963 GT Hawk includes power steering, 289 engine, AM-FM radio (that works) clock (that works), automatic transmission, and limited slip differential.  This car was fairly well taken care in previous ownership with only minimal rust, which was cut out and replaced with chemically treated 20 ga rolled steel and or OEM replacement steel from Classic Enterprises.  Replaced steel was welded in place, never riveted and never screwed or bolted, and all exposed metal was treated with an anti-rust after welding and, no short cuts were taken, no Bondo used to cover rust, and no pop-rivets to hold steel in place.   

This car lives up to the commonly held reputation as being one of the best handling, sporting cars of its time and there is little possibility that a commercial restorer could come anywhere close to the price of this car in consideration of what all was done.  The theme for restoration of all of the collection was to maintain as much of the actual appearance as feasible yet update it to make it highly presentable and reliable.  However, on this GT Hawk, to help reduce the chance of vapor lock, an Edelbrock 600 CFM carburetor with ½” riser and vapor return line was installed.  The underside of the original air cleaner was modified to accommodate the larger intake and maintain original appearance.

This car looks like an exceptionally well maintained driver from the early 1960's. It is not a museum piece and you should not expect to compete with concours de elegance shows but it is well done and well bought at this price, largely because most labor hours were uncompensated in the interest in keeping Studebaker alive.

The largest restoration expense, in dollars and compensated time, as one would expect, was in the mechanical/machine paint area.  The objective here was to bring it back to another half century of attractive, reliable service.  This included restoring, rebuilding and or replacing virtually every removable part.  It was overhauled .30 over using Studebaker International major re-build kit.  The starter, alternator, power steering, brakes, water pump, radiator, exhaust, shocks, dash, rubber and grommets, new radial tires, king pins, were key elements.  Even the tiny rollers that facilitate window opening and closing were painstakingly replaced and the mechanism’s refurbished.

It was painted with 4 coats of Dupont Chroma Clear over 5 coats of Dupont Chroma Base on top of 2Kprimer/surfacer and Chroma Seal.  The interior was an upholstery kit from Southeast Studebaker, and of course the stainless was polished and other metal re-chromed.

$19,846  

804 776-6215

renda1007@yahoo.com

Additional Photos: 1963 Gran Turismo GT Hawk Photos