1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk

Ray Petros is a dedicated Studebaker collector. It is natural that he focuses on that marque, since his family were Studebaker dealers for many years. Two of his cars, and two of Studebaker’s most iconic vehicles, have been featured in this magazine. His Avanti R1 was the subject of a “Driven” article in December 2017 (https://sportscardigest.com//1963-studebaker-avanti-r1/) and his President Speedster was profiled in March 2019 (https://sportscardigest.com//just-gorgeous-1955-studebaker-president-speedster/). This time, the focus is on his 1957 Golden Hawk, a Studebaker model that was, for a time, the fastest production car made in the United States.

Hot Rod magazine had this to say in March 1957 about the Golden Hawk: “In an era where potent passenger car performance is the rule and not the exception, the 1957 Studebaker-Packard ‘Golden Hawk’ is in its own nest. In fact, it can and does outperform nearly all of the current crop of production automobiles with the exception of some of the ‘super stock’ machines, which are, of course, in a class by themselves. The line that separates the Golden Hawk from the super stocks is indeed fine but unmistakable; Golden Hawk performance may be purchased ‘as is’ without resorting to a long list of sometimes unobtainable power plant options. In other words the Golden hawk is a completely stock automobile and as such, it is hard to beat.”

In 1953, the Studebaker line was in need of some new styling for its 1956 model year. The sedans would get new sheet metal below the belt line, but the coupes would become Studebaker’s “family sports car.” A number of the successful design elements from the President Speedster made their way into this new “family sports car,” but it was to be a very different design from Studebaker’s previous coupes. Bob Bourke led the design effort and produced the Hawk line, including four models – Flight Hawk, Power Hawk, Sky Hawk, and Golden Hawk, with the Golden Hawk the top of the line-up.

The Golden Hawk for 1956 was loaded with equipment and chrome, including a very sporty assortment of gauges in the dash, and bolt-on fiberglass fins. It was powered by a Packard 352-cu.in. V8 putting out 275 hp. The Power Hawk proved to be the best seller of the four models; the Sky Hawk was the worst. The four models were consolidated into two – Silver and Gold Hawks – for 1957. The Packard engine plant was leased, and eventually sold, to Curtis-Wright in 1956, so the Packard engines were no longer available for the ’57 Hawks. Studebaker decided to go with their own 289-cu.in. V8 but added a McCulloch supercharger, giving the smaller engine the same 275-hp as the Packard.

Petros bought his Golden Hawk from the son of the original owner about 20 years ago. A local Studebaker club member knew of the car and recommended it to Petros. The owner was very particular about who bought the car, and Petros was vetted for several months before receiving the owner’s approval. Petros’ family history as Packard and Studebaker dealers and his obvious love for these cars likely swayed the owner in Petros’ favor. The car is a looker – black with white fins and wide whitewall tires and a red interior. The interior is original, testament to the original owner’s and Petros’ care. One of the sportier aspects of the interior is the Stewart Warner gauges. Another notable addition is factory stock seatbelts – in 1957. The car came with power steering, but without power brakes. It had a three-speed automatic transmission, but the car moves away from a stop in second gear unless you are serious about accelerating quickly, then it chooses first gear for your enjoyment. It has a limited-slip differential that Studebaker called “Twin Traction.” The sound when accelerating is fine, thanks in part to the special exhaust extensions Studebaker put on the Golden Hawk. Petros called it a “distinctive Studebaker purr.” To help stop this fast car, Studebaker put fins on the front drum brakes.

Driving Impressions

First impression of the car’s appearance is that it looks a bit overdone at both the front and back, especially after having spent time with the President Speedster. It has to be put in the context of 1957, then its neo-classical grille and big fins made more sense, and the car’s lines could be better appreciated. The bulge in the hood is actually something to appreciate, since it allows room for the supercharger. Once inside, this is a car that’s easy to appreciate. The interior is spacious and comfortable. Seatbelts are always a benefit with a bench seat if there’s going to be any energetic driving. The rear seat has plenty of room for additional passengers, and, while I didn’t experience it, I suspect those in the back would be quite comfortable. All controls are in easy reach, although the brake pedal is positioned a bit high, causing me to use my toes rather than the ball of my foot when stopping. Gauges, as mentioned, are Stewart Warner and include speedometer, tachometer, water temperature, ammeter, fuel level, and boost. They are set in a beautiful engine-turned dashboard – very reminiscent of Bugatti dashboards.

The car is easy to start – turn the key, give it a little gas, and off you go, in second gear on the gravel driveway. Once on the highway, this is a fun car to drive. It’s a bit nose heavy and softly sprung, so it can be a bit of a workout on curvy roads, and there were plenty to enjoy where Petros lives. This is a car that really loves American highways and interstates. I can see driving this Hawk for long distances and not suffering from butt fatigue. Speaking of ones butt, when the supercharger kicks in, it is a kick in the butt – it’s one of those experiences that makes you smile and say “Ooohhhh” the first time it happens. The McCulloch supercharger is a variable ratio centrifugal blower. It allows for a lower compression ratio and, like all superchargers, provides additional power throughout the rev range because it is driven directly from the engine and does not have to be spun up by exhaust gasses like a turbocharger. I much prefer superchargers, plus there’s that sound it makes as engine speed increases – so cool.

When this car was new, it sold for $3584.69, and it was the fastest American production car until Ford turbocharged the T-Bird. As a 13-year-old, I was way too snobbish about sports cars to have considered the Golden Hawk as one of them. Now, at 75, I think Studebaker really did build a “family sports car.” It may have been the reason that Ford started enlarging the Thunderbird in 1958.

Thanks to Ray Petros for allowing Vintage Road & Racecar access to his great collection of Studebakers. There’s one more story about his cars to come, but it is about a very unusual “Studebaker.”

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