1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk for the Studebaker National Museum

Description

Declining sales had begun to take a serious toll on Studebaker’s financial health, leading the company to enlist noted designer Brooks Stevens to reimagine the Hawk. Earlier iterations were little more than softened updates of Raymond Loewy’s acclaimed 1953 Starliner Coupe, but Stevens delivered a daring and thoroughly modern transformation in the form of the Gran Turismo Hawk.

Studebaker’s position as the American distributor for Mercedes-Benz inspired the car’s assertive grille design, while the interior was completely rethought with an aviation-inspired cockpit theme. Power came from Studebaker’s V‑8, enlarged to 289ci and offered in three versions for 1963. Optional Power‑Grip front disc brakes was a U.S. production-car first. Even the name itself, Gran Turismo Hawk, was intentionally chosen to reflect Stevens’ vision of blending European sophistication with American comfort and usability.

One of only 369 Gran Turismo Hawks fitted with the optional high-performance “Jet Thrust” Avanti R1 engine, this example was built on January 22, 1963, and originally delivered to Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It retains its matching-numbers engine and body as documented on the build sheet and remains correctly equipped with all original options. Gifted to the Studebaker National Museum, the Hawk will require mechanical servicing to return it to roadworthy condition. Sale proceeds will benefit the Museum.

This 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is now offered by Studebaker National Museum with a Production Record copy and a clean Indiana title.

Highlights

• Offered from the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana

• One of just 369 Gran Turismo Hawk powered by optional Avanti R1 engine

• 4,634 1963 Gran Turismo Hawks produced

• Engine and body numbers match factory production order

• Finished in Ermine White with Tan cloth interior

Factory Equipment

• Padded instrument panel

• Walnut-grained instrument panel applique

• Aircraft-style instruments with tachometer

• Five-passenger seating

• Front bucket seats

• Front console with ash tray and storage

• Factory options include:

  • 13 – P 6311 Ermine White paint

  • 14 – 7641 TV cloth trim

  • 14A – Matching inserts

  • 20 – 4-speed transmission floor shift

  • 33 – Jet Thrust R1 engine

  • 37 – Disc and power brakes

  • 42 – Undercoating

  • 54 – Dunlop tires

  • 60 – Climatizer

  • 63 – Electric windshield wipers and washers

  • 72 – Pushbutton AM Radio

• The chassis number (63V21171) decodes as:

  • 63 – 1963

  • V – V8 engine

  • 21171 – Plant sequential assembly number

Modifications

• Electric fuel pump

• LED third brake light

• There is a wired momentary switch on the console, it seems inoperable

Known Imperfections

• Brightwork has some flaws

• Front bumper is from a mid‑1950s model and has extra mounting holes

• Undercarriage shows rust; corrosion is visible at the rear of the “hog troughs”

• Evidence of rust repair in the trunk corners

• Perforations noted in the trunk floor

• Rust visible beneath the carpeting in the front floor areas

• Headliner has a patched hole

• Glove box light is missing

• Interior is described as having a "musty odor"

• Exhaust work is needed

• Ammeter shows a full charge while the car is running

Ownership History

This 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk was received as an estate gift by the Studebaker National Museum.

Included Items

• Spare parts

• Production Record Coby

Additional Information

The seller reports, “This 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is one of just 369 equipped with the optional high-performance Avanti R1 engine. It is also factory equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and disc brakes. The car was received as an estate gift by the Studebaker National Museum. Sale proceeds will benefit the Museum. Car runs, drives, and stops, but should not be considered roadworthy. Car received what appears to be a cosmetic restoration by the previous owner. Frame appears very solid and paint and interior are in excellent condition. Engine carries good oil pressure. Ammeter shows full charge while car is running. Car is fitted with an electric fuel pump. Engine and body numbers match factory production order.”

"We are happy to show the car by appointment.”