63 Studebaker Gt Hawk. Rare Super Hawk Option. Frame Off Restoration By Owner. on 2040-cars

1963 was the last full model year production of the Gran Turismo Hawks.  South Bend Indiana output of the 1963 GT Hawks was 3,649. Late in the production run, Studebaker announced the availability of the Avanti performance 289 cubic inch V8 engines in other Studebaker models. The R2, supercharged engine was installed in 278 GT Hawks.  Studebaker also developed a Super Hawk package, designated 46A, in the case of the R2 engine.   This package included specific performance options including: Side and grill identification, 160 MPH speedometer, Red line tachometer, HD Twin Traction rear axle, Disc brakes, HD springs front and rear, HD shocks front and rear, Rear axle radius rods, Rear stabilizer bar, and either 4 speed stick shift or Power-shift transmission.  This Hawk has the power shift transmission.  44 supercharged Super Hawks were manufactured in 1963 and only 9 are known to exist today.  This rare, matching numbers Hawk for sale is one of the surviving 9.

I purchased this Super Hawk in May of 2008.  It had had an interesting history.  It was originally delivered to a Cleveland OH area dealer, but the first owner is unknown.  It was in well-worn condition when purchased by a known individual in the Grand Rapids MI area in late 1974.  He worked on restoring it over a 5-year period, including replacing the trunk lid, trunk opening surround, and rear quarter panels.  Metal plates were screwed down to firm up the floors.  Some engine work was done and the supercharger was rebuilt.  He also changed the color from white to regal red.  He drove it for 2 years and then traded for an Avanti.

The next known owner discovered it in a Grand Rapids MI dealer’s lot and quickly purchased it in late 1992.  This owner did necessary mechanical repairs so he could enjoy driving the car, but soon decided to also drag race the car nearby his home plus surrounding states.  He eventually joined the Studebaker team at the annual Pure Stock Muscle Car Drags in Stanton, MI from 2002-2005.  In 2004 he set the Hawk record of 14.949 seconds and 93.68 MPH.  Unfortunately, in 2005, he blew the engine at this same track.  He eventually sold the car and block to another SDC member near Atlanta. The car was on the cover of the January 2003 Turning Wheels, showing it at the start of a run at the 2002 pure stock drags.

I purchased the car from the Atlanta owner, who helped me arrange to have the engine rebuilt by Solanki Performance in Duluth GA, an experienced specialist in building Studebaker performance engines.  The 2 damaged cylinders were sleeved and all then bored out .060”.  The engine was rebuilt with a performance cam and modern internals.  I was provided with over 100 digital photos of the engine rebuild in progress.  The supercharger was rebuilt at the same time.  I only have less than 1,000 miles on this rebuilt engine.

With the assistance of WCD Garage, in Northboro MA, and Studebaker Parts & Services, in Maynard MA, we were able to locate all the necessary peripheral engine items and properly install the engine.  Enjoyed driving it locally for a year, before deciding that I really needed to repair the underside of the car rust damage from all the earlier winter driving in MI.

I undertook a 1,300-hour frame off restoration with the help of a retired body shop owner friend.  I sourced a frame from a Florida Hawk; floor panels, body mount brackets etc. from Classic Enterprises: and miscellaneous additional parts from various sources.  After sandblasting, all necessary body repairs were done. The car was finished with a regal red Dupont base coat/clear coat paint.

All new wiring harnesses were installed.  The interior has all new upholstery, carpets and headliner.  The gauges and tachometer all work.  The clock and radio do not.  All interior and exterior lights work, including the fender lights.  The Hawk is currently running on nearly new, bias ply, Firestone Deluxe Champion 6.70 x 15 tires manufactured in 2/05.

The engine has a rebuilt carburetor with rechromed bonnet, re-chromed valve covers, rechromed air canister and a Mallory electronic ignition (original dual point distributor is included.)  Has new R3 headers and a full 2-1/4” diameter stainless steel exhaust system, including medium tone mufflers (original R2 headers are included.)  Have installed new alternator and brake booster.  Heater core has been re-soldered and tested, but hasn’t been connected to the block.  Old heater hoses have been installed to look correct. 

Car was relatively complete and displayed at the South Bend International Meet in August 2012.  In August 2013, received a 1^st in class (388 of 400 points) at the SDC Northeast Zone Meet.  The car has a Massachusetts Title and registration plates. It also has a current MA safety inspection sticker.

Will be including many spare parts including a complete front disc brake set-up.

The car is garaged in Orleans, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Shipping of the car will be the financial responsibility of the buyer.  I will be happy to reasonably assist in the appointment set-up, pick-up and loading of the car.

I have enjoyed working within the Studebaker community to bring this car up to standard, but have now decided to look for another challenge.  If you have any questions, either post them on this site, or call me – Jim at 508-240-0641.  Thanks for checking out this rare Hawk…and good luck in your bidding !