Refurbished 1961 Studebaker Hawk For Sale: 40-Year History
This classic 1961 Studebaker Hawk For Sale represents a unique opportunity, having been under the same family’s ownership since 1984. Originally purchased out of Southern California, the car underwent a significant refurbishment in 1993. It features the desirable 289ci V8 engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and boasts recent servicing to its fuel and braking systems.
Exterior Styling and Condition
During the 1993 refurbishment, the car was stripped and refinished in its current vibrant red, accented by distinctive white quarter-panel swaths. The windshield was also replaced at that time. Exterior features complementing the classic Hawk lines include a mesh grille, pop-open fender vents, chrome bumpers, bright trim elements, and a driver-side mirror. Windshield washers are also equipped.
Front three-quarter view of a red 1961 Studebaker Hawk for sale
Rear three-quarter detail of the refurbished 1961 Studebaker Hawk showing white quarter panel swath
Wheels, Tires, and Braking System
The vehicle rides on 15-inch steel wheels finished in chrome, adorned with styled Studebaker wheel covers. These are mounted with 205/75 Goodyear Polysteel radial tires featuring whitewalls. Factory equipment includes power steering for easier handling. The suspension consists of double-action shock absorbers with variable-rate springs upfront and leaf springs with shocks at the rear. Braking is managed by drum brakes at all four corners; the system was serviced in August 2023 with a new master cylinder and a fluid flush and bleed.
Side profile showcasing the 15-inch wheel cover and whitewall tire on the 1961 Studebaker Hawk
Interior Features
Inside, the cabin features reclining individual front seats and a rear bench, reupholstered in black leather highlighted by metallic silver piping. The refurbishment work also included replacing the carpeting and headliner, contributing to a refreshed interior ambiance. Prospective buyers should note that the hose for the Climatizer heating system is currently torn.
Interior view of the 1961 Studebaker Hawk featuring black leather seats with silver piping
Dashboard and Instrumentation
The driver is greeted by a classic two-spoke steering wheel. The dashboard houses essential instrumentation, including a 120-mph speedometer, along with gauges monitoring water temperature, amperage, fuel level, and oil pressure. The five-digit odometer currently displays 89k miles. Approximately 80k of these miles were reportedly added during the seller’s family ownership since 1984, though the total true mileage is unknown. The speedometer cable was recently tightened, requiring brief disconnection and reconnection.
Dashboard and two-spoke steering wheel of the 1961 Studebaker Hawk
Powertrain and Recent Maintenance
Under the hood lies the 289ci Studebaker Thunderbolt V8 engine, equipped with a Stromberg two-barrel carburetor. This configuration was factory-rated at 210 horsepower. Significant maintenance was performed in August 2023, including the replacement of the water pump. The fuel system was also refurbished by flushing the fuel tank and lines, and replacing the rubber fuel lines, hose clamps, and fuel filter.
Engine bay view of the 289ci Thunderbolt V8 in the 1961 Studebaker Hawk
Transmission and Undercarriage
Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a BorgWarner Flightomatic three-speed automatic transmission connected to a robust Dana rear differential. Examination of the underside reveals that the car has received undercoating treatment for added protection. Photos documenting the 1993 refurbishment process provide further insight into the work performed.
1961 Studebaker Hawk body during the 1993 refurbishment process in a paint booth
Included Documentation and Extras
This 1961 Studebaker Hawk For Sale comes with valuable supporting materials. These include photographs taken during the refurbishment, service records documenting maintenance history, an owner’s manual, chassis and shop manuals, and parts catalogs. A selection of spare parts, as pictured in the original listing’s gallery, is also included in the sale.
Collection of service records, manuals, and catalogs included with the 1961 Studebaker Hawk sale
Conclusion
Offered with a clean Montana title, which lists the model as “GT Hawk,” this 1961 Studebaker Hawk presents a compelling package. Its long-term family ownership, documented refurbishment, recent servicing, and included extras make it an attractive find for classic car enthusiasts seeking a well-maintained example of this stylish Studebaker model.
