1957 Studebaker Hawk

1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk Hardtop  The Studebaker Golden Hawk was produced from 1956 through 1958 with styling influenced by Raymond Loewy's design studio who used the shape of the Champion and Commander of the early 1950's as its beginning point.  Only 4,356 Golden Hawks were built in 1957 and they could outperform and out accelerate the Chrysler 300B, Ford Thunderbird, and yes, even the Chevrolet Corvette.  This was proven in a test conducted by Speed Age magazine in 1956.  Supercharged Golden Hawks were putting up 0-60 times that would be considered respectable in today's market.  For consignment, a 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk, a recipient of a frame off restoration, total engine rebuild of the numbers matching powerplant, and a title verified 82,745 actual miles on the car.  Not all Golden Hawks were gold, but it is certainly a fitting color for the model and its unique body shape and drivetrain.  The Studebaker family immigrated from Germany and arrived in Philadelphia in 1736 and became wagon makers in York, PA.  This car, currently in eastern Pennsylvania, is a descendant of that early manufacturing.  Exterior Tiara Gold covers the hawk in spectacular fashion and Artic White inserts create a bold highlight on the rear panel and onto the tail fins.  The sculpted face seems to have been formed from the wind or at least bends to it allowing air that isn't inhaled by the grille and intakes to be funneled over the hood and passed to the side.  In 1957, a louvered fiberglass power bulge was added which covers a hole created to allow room for the supercharger.  The raked windshield flows into the round roof which gives way to the wraparound rear window, all of which is surrounded by outstanding polished metal.  Other metal and chrome trim is commonplace on the car with accent trim, a body spear, and gleaming emblems throughout.  From the side, the entire car seems to be leaning back, as if moving, and the single round tail lights simulate jet aircraft afterburners.  Symmetry is everywhere, from the twin antennas and dual tail pipes to the side mirrors on both doors, it's a wonderfully visually balanced car and it's all very clean.  15-inch wheels are body colored under the turbine style hubcaps, and wide white walls fit the grandeur of the car with classic appeal.  We note a handful of small imperfections in the paint and some that have chipped off a body panels, otherwise it's excellent.  Interior Alternating panels of gold, cream and silver mesh adorn the door panels in a simple yet classic design with more robust metal trim on the top and our eyes are drawn to the beautifully patterned sill plate.  In front the split bench in stunning gold vinyl wears a tuck and roll pattern on thickly padded seats, while 2+2 seating in the back enjoy a center armrest and requisite ashtray, the sidewalls continuing the door pattern in an artful arrangement of colors and textures.  We take a break from our gold surroundings to grab the lovely white steering wheel with black bottom and silver horn ring, a touch of gold added in the Golden Hawk logo of the center cap.  Sliding down the column we find a thin shifter and its indicator window, this leading to the machined metal backing of the dashboard and gauge cluster which includes a vacuum gauge dead center.  The scaled metal panel continues the width of the dash where an AM radio and its speaker grates fill the middle and a glovebox blends in under the thick, padded dash cover.  Black loop carpet overlays the floor while yellow texted Studebaker black carpeted mats are an attractive addition to the footwells.  The cream colored headliner and visors are in excellent condition and the trunk is holding a fitted plaid mat and spare cover over glossy gold paint.   Drivetrain A spotless engine bay reveals the numbers matching 289ci V8 and a McCulloch supercharger that is rated at 275 horsepower.  It is fueled by a 2-barrel carburetor and driven by a B