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2016 Shannons Melbourne Winter Classic Auction
Lot
25

1962 Studebaker GT Hawk Coupe (RHD)

$12,500

Sold

Specifications

Engine V8, 289-cid
Gearbox 3-speed automatic
Body Work Coupe
Colour White
Interior Red & Black
Trim Vinyl
Wheels Steel Disc with hubcaps
Brakes Drum

Description

This lot is no longer available

Studebaker’s Gran Turismo Hawk was the last in a line of glamorous personal coupes dating back to Raymond Loewy’s original design of 1953. New for 1962, the Gran Turismo successfully updated the handsome styling courtesy of a young industrial designer named Brooks Stevens, doing away with the previous model’s curves and fins and adding a distinctive squared-off roofline. In keeping with styling trends of the day, the body was largely devoid of superfluous decoration, with the exception of chrome rocker panels. A key instigator of the Gran Turismo project was Studebaker’s new president, Sherwood Egbert, who was also responsible for the development of the avant-garde Avanti sports coupe of 1963. Built on a 120-inch wheelbase, the Gran Turismo Hawk was Studebaker’s flagship model and sold in either six-cylinder or V8 versions in the domestic market. An estimated 400 examples were assembled in Australia in 1962-1963 and buyers here could choose between either 259-cid or 289-cid V8s. The 289 developed 210 horsepower at 4500 rpm, endowing the Grand Turismo Hawk with plenty of performance. Australian Studebakers boasted every conceivable luxury item, differing from their North American counterparts in having a split front bench seat in place of bucket seats. Sadly, 64 years of Studebaker automobile production South Bend, Indiana finally came to an end on December 9, 1963 and the once proud marque is now but a distant memory for most automotive enthusiasts.