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1962 Studebaker Hawk GT
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
The 1962 Studebaker Hawk GT must be counted as one of the greatest
under-the-gun automotive styling achievements of all time.
By 1962, Studebaker's corporate meltdown was reaching critical
mass. In the midst of much uncertainty Brooks Stevens Design was
handed the unenviable task of restyling the Hawk on a shoestring
budget. That he created such an elegant design as the 1962 Gran
Turismo Hawk was nothing short of miraculous.
The side view for 1962 was particularly striking. Hawks had their
wings clipped in back, a rounded rectangular rear fender line
replaced the former canted fins. A sharp Thunderbird-style roof
replaced Raymond Loewy's softly curved roof-line. Side brightwork
gave way to understated ribbed rocker-panel guards and side trim
running the length of the beltline atop the fenders.
Up front, the classic semi-trapezoidal grille was retained (though
it was stamped instead of die cast as before), but now underscored
by a cleaner-looking bumper.
The new Hawk was still powered by Studebaker's venerable 289-cid
V-8 engine, a capable performer. Four-barrel-equipped models were
rated at 225 bhp and clocked at a 0-60 time of 11.7 seconds,
according to Motor Trend, with a top end in the neighborhood of 120
mph.
On the wings of the crisp restyle. Hawk sales soared to 9,335 units
for model year 1962, nearly tripling the previous year's total.
Sadly it was a trend that could not be sustained. Growing anxiety
over the fiscal viability of the company hung over the proud marque
like a heavy fog, all but obscuring the appeal of Hawk and Lark
models from the buying public. Hawk sales dove to 4,634 in 1963,
descending further to 1,767 for the final year of production in
1964. |
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