Studebaker : Gran Turismo Hawk GT Hawk-Rare Canadian Production w/ AC & original AM-FM

Rare Canadian Production Vehicle- All Original

I am the second owner of this GT Hawk, having purchased the car from the original owner, who is still an active member in the Studebaker Drivers Club. (I am also an active and longtime member of the SDC and former officer of the Garden State Chapter).  The car has won numerous awards at both SDC and local car shows, for its originality and condition.  Until a couple of years ago, the car had always been garage kept and has always been meticulously maintained.  Last year the car was involved in an accident causing damage to the right rear of the car.  It is completely repairable, as noted below. I am selling this car because I own several other Studebakers and they seem to be taking up all of my available time, and I simply do not have the time to devote to this one. It is time for someone else to give it the attention it so deserves and to enjoy.

GENERAL VEHICLE INFORMATION:

Equipment includes:

• Power steering
• Factory air-conditioning (works well-a rolling freezer unit in summer)
• Climatizer
• Original Studebaker AM-FM radio
• Separate removable partially concealed under dash mounted Alpine AM/FM stereo, CD & iPod audio system with separate Jensen 3 way speakers concealed beneath the rear deck cover. Wiring laid under floor for optional powered subwoofer in trunk. (I am a trained classical musician and recording engineer, so that audio system is absolutely tops)
• Automatic transmission
• Full instrumentation
• 2BBL Studebaker 289 CID V8 engine
• New complete Silvertone stainless steel dual exhaust system including new mufflers.
• ORIGINAL chrome tailpipe extensions in mint condition. Not the remakes.

Everything in the car works perfectly, although the tach head sometimes sticks.

This GT Hawk is entirely original, excepting for the radio antenna mast.  It is the kind of example that people use to study when properly restoring another car.  Everything right down to the wiring harness clips are intact and precisely as they were when they left the factory.  Most of the car still has its original factory paint. Hood and right front quarter panel have been repainted.  The interior upholstery, headliner, carpet, etc is original, as is the trunk mat-liner.

This car is one of a very rare few that was produced at the Hamilton, Ontario factory of Studebaker Canada, Ltd.  Due to Canadian laws of the time regarding manufacture of vehicles in Canada by American manufacturers, a certain percentage of the vehicle’s components had to be Canadian sourced.  ALL of the correct, Canadian-sourced components are on this vehicle, including but not limited to, wheel covers, air filter, alternator, radiator, interior headliner and upholstery and more. These Canadian components look very slightly different from their American counterparts, however they are documented original and correct for the car.  

BODY:

The car has absolutely NO rot or rust, excepting for a very tiny spot at the base of one of the outside rearview mirrors, and a few small surface spots in the rear where the car was hit, causing paint to fleck off. This car was thoroughly “rust proofed” years ago as only our Canadian friends can do – tar sprayed on the underbody panels, oil wiped down on the inside floorboards, then carefully covered over with Saran wrap material, and the jute and carpet re-laid back down on top.  This car will never rust!  Excepting for the hood and front right quarter panel, the paint is original from the factory, and yes it is beginning to show its age so it could be regarded as an optional candidate for a new paint job, but not absolutely necessary.  The grille shroud has been re-chromed.

The interior upholstery needs to be replaced.  As with all 62 and 63 Studebakers, the vinyl material used did not wear well, and it’s very due.  The vinyl material on the doors and sides are just fine, no problems.  A very small cut is visible on the drivers door handle, but that’s about it.  The original carpet is shot on the drivers side near the door, otherwise the carpet is good.  Original Canadian headliner is perfect.  Instrument board is in outstanding condition, woodgrain panels are virtually perfect.  Everything in the car works, including the original clock, although as noted above, the tach head sticks once in awhile.

Last year, the car was rear ended by an inattentive high school girl.  The damage includes the right rear quarter panel, tail lamp housing and lens, trunk deck, and bumper.  New Old Stock tail lamp housings and a NOS lens come with the car.  The trunk deck is dented, however my body shop man told me that the dent is easily repairable and the trunk lid does not need to be replaced.  The quarter panel is also fully repairable and not requiring replacement.  The bumper should be replaced; although it is possible it could be straightened and re-chromed.  The damage has not affected the drivability of the car.  It still runs and drives as straight as the day it was new.

Car is nice and tight.  No annoying squeaks or rattles.  It is a very well built and solid vehicle.

MECHANICS:

The car starts and drives perfectly, no problems, and generally delivers about 18 MPG on 92 or higher gasoline.  Engine oil has been changed with filter every 2000 miles with 20W50 grade and YES ZDDPlus is used with the oil to replenish the zinc to proper levels to protect the cam and lifters.  STP is also used with each oil change. Oil pressure when hot at 2000 RPM (43MPH) is 45-50 PSI.  The engine could use a new rear main seal, as well as front main seal and possibly rocker cover gaskets, but that’s all.  It does not smoke or burn oil.  Carburetor was professionally cleaned, glass beaded and rebuilt in 2006.  An extra original Auto-Lite Canada alternator comes with the car. Ignition system has been upgraded to the Mallory optical ignition distributor.  The original Auto-
Lite Canada breaker point distributor comes with the car.  Flightomatic transmission does not leak, slip or make any noises and functions perfectly.  Rear end also does not leak, all bearings are solid.  Radiator was recently flushed with Studebaker-Packard radiator flush and neutralizer and has good flow.  Operating temperature hot is a steady 180 degrees with A/C off; 190-200 with A/C running in hot weather. Exhaust system was completely replaced in 2008 with a Silvertone stainless system including all new gaskets, hangers and matched mufflers.

New power steering hoses installed in 2007. Front wheel bearings replaced in 2007 as well.  Tires were replaced in 2008 with high end steel belted whitewall radials, and there are about 4,000 miles or less on the tires.

You can start this car and drive it anywhere anytime with confidence.

PRICING:

The reserve on this car is set very low to allow for plenty of financial room for restoration work to bring it up to whatever level the buyer wants to take it, and still stay well within or under market value.  My primary objective here is to pass this car along to someone who will give it the attention I can’t and enjoy it in the future. I’ve had repair appraisals and upholstery costs done:  the body work will run $2700 to make it right including a full repaint, plus the cost of a bumper - remember the rest of the sheet metal is repairable.  New upholstery from Phantom comes up to a tad under $1100 and if you’re not so picky and can do with less than absolutely accurate Studebaker pattern, seats should only run you around $600.  So for the price of the car plus the body repairs and seats, you’ll have a show winner that books over $24,000  - for a small fraction of the price!

PAYMENT:

NO PAYPAL FOR THIS AUCTION!  A $500. deposit is due within 72 hours by personal or certified check.  Balance due at time of pickup or before pickup by car carrier, either in cash or certified check.

Feel free to contact me by e-mail or at 908-230-3386 with any questions you may have or to see the car personally.  Vehicle is located in central New Jersey just north of Princeton.  Good luck!

 I have added three additional photos to show how the car's floorpans and trunk have been rustproofed. First is the drivers floorpan, second is the trunk rear corner floor.  I both of these pictures you can see the clear plastic covering and beneath that the dark tarrish oily coating which had been applied to inhibit rust.  The last photo shows the condition of the trunk walls.