Fuel-Injected 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk 3-Speed

Description

Introduced as part of the Hawk series in 1957, the Silver Hawk was designed to modernize the brand’s image and appeal to younger buyers. It featured a sleek, two-door coupe body with tailfins and a bold front grille, reflecting the era’s fascination with jet-age styling. 

Mechanically, the Silver Hawk came with either a 185 cu-in inline-six or a 289 cu-in V8 engine, offering a balance between performance and affordability. It was built on the same platform as the earlier Golden Hawk but was slightly less powerful and more economically positioned. Studebaker’s design team, led by Raymond Loewy, emphasized clean lines and a sporty silhouette, helping the Silver Hawk stand out in a crowded market.  

This 1957 Silver Hawk received a multi-year refurbishment under previous ownership and is powered by a rebuilt 289 cu-in “Sweepstakes” V8, fed by a Holly Sniper II fuel-injection system. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The body is refinished in black with silver vinyl accents, and the interior is retrimmed in color-coordinated upholstery. Front disc brakes have been installed, along with lap belts and an FM radio tuner.        

Highlights 

• Refurbished Silver Hawk with electronic fuel injection  

• Powered by rebuilt 289 cu-in “Sweepstakes” V8  

• Three-speed manual transmission with column shifter 

• Refinished in black with silver vinyl accents 

• Turner front disc brakes  

Features  

• Holly Sniper II electronic fuel-injection system 

• Dashboard-mounted EFI controller 

• Dual exhaust 

• 15-inch steel wheels with polished Studebaker-crest covers 

• Coker Classic whitewall tires 

• Black vinyl upholstery with gray patterned cloth centers 

• Lap belts 

• Engine-turned dashboard trim 

• Radio modified with an FM tuner 

• Cabin heater 

Known Imperfections  

• Fuel level gauge is inaccurate 

• Seller notes that the electric fuel pump is loud 

Included  

• Reproduction of Fort Wayne production order 

• Binder of judging sheets, awards, and photos taken during the refurbishment 

• Shop manuals and accessory brochure 

• Two-barrel Stromberg carburetor, intake manifold, and air cleaner 

• Carter AFB carburetor 

Ownership History 

This 1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk received a multi-year refurbishment before being acquired by the seller in 2022, who has since added approximately 750 miles. Additional fuel system upgrades in 2024 are said to have included replacing the pressure regulator and gauge along with the tank.  

The seller states that “the car was shown extensively from 2006 to 2010 at Studebaker Driver’s Club meets and always scored 396 points of a possible 400 for authenticity and quality. A binder of judging sheets and awards will be included along with many pictures of the restoration.” 

This Silver Hawk is offered with a Rhode Island title in the seller's name that lists “Not Actual” under the odometer reading and brands sections, and notes "May be subject to undisclosed lien" under the title legend section.