The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk stands as a bold testament to the creative vision of Brooks Stevens during a turbulent time for the company. It successfully blended European grand touring aesthetics with traditional American V8 power and luxury. This specific example wears a distinctive two-tone finish of Champagne Gold Metallic and Seabeach Sand, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of its era. Having spent decades in storage, it recently emerged under new ownership following significant mechanical refreshing in late 2025. It represents one of only 4,634 units produced, making it a genuine rarity on the modern road. This coupe remains a striking alternative to the more common muscle cars of the sixties.
Mechanical Upgrades and the R1 V8 Conversion
A major highlight of this 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is the installation of a 289ci R1 V8 engine. While many of these cars were factory-built with standard powerplants, the R1 adds a serious performance edge to the chassis. It features a four-barrel carburetor and was recently serviced with new cylinder-head gaskets and valve-stem seals to ensure peak operation. This high-output engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission, which is a rare and desirable configuration for this model. The Hurst shifter provides a crisp and mechanical feel that modern automatic systems cannot replicate. Consequently, the car offers a visceral driving experience that rewards driver input and attention.
Chassis Dynamics and Period Correct Hardware
To handle the increased output of the R1 engine, the 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk utilizes a stout Dana rear differential. It rides on 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in classic whitewall tires, which provide a balanced look and reliable grip. The suspension remains faithful to the original design with front coil springs and rear leaf springs for a period-correct feel. Stopping power is managed by drums at all four corners, requiring a steady foot during spirited driving sessions. However, the addition of a front anti-sway bar helps keep the heavy coupe stable during cornering maneuvers. These hardware choices emphasize the car’s identity as a high-speed continental cruiser. It feels exceptionally planted at speed.
Mid Century Style and Green Vinyl Interior
The interior of the 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is a time capsule of 1960s luxury and industrial design. It features front bucket seats upholstered in green vinyl, providing a vibrant contrast to the Champagne Gold exterior. Woodgrain trim surrounds the full array of factory gauges, which include a 6,000-rpm tachometer for performance monitoring. Although the driver’s seat shows some honest wear, the overall cabin presentation remains authentic and charmingly analog. A push-button AM radio and a Realistic FM tuner provide a nostalgic soundtrack for long afternoon drives. The inclusion of an electric clock and a center armrest highlights the car’s original premium positioning. It is a space built for comfort and style.
Power Output and Technical Performance Specs
This 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is driven by a 289ci R1 V8 engine that delivers impressive naturally aspirated power. This specific engine block corresponds with the high-performance units used in the legendary Studebaker Lark and Avanti models. A four-speed manual transmission allows the driver to exploit the wide torque band effectively through every gear. The dual exhaust system ensures that the R1 engine breathes freely while producing a deep, authoritative V8 rumble. New seals and gaskets installed in 2025 have revitalized the mechanical health for the next owner. With its Dana differential and 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels, the car handles its power with classic American confidence. These specs highlight a very capable GT machine.
Summary of the Studebaker GT Hawk
The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk remains one of the most stylish and overlooked performance cars of its generation. This R1-powered example offers a unique blend of rare documentation and significant mechanical improvements. It comes with production records from the Studebaker National Museum and several spare parts, including an extra engine block. The two-tone paint and four-speed manual configuration make it a standout choice for any serious collector of independent brands. While it shows some patina from years of storage, its recent service makes it a turn-key classic for the road. This Hawk is ready to soar once again with a dedicated driver behind the wheel. It is an enduring icon of American ingenuity.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
