Image of 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk, sourced from en.wikipedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk swoops into automotive history with a tale of innovation and elegance. As one of the four models in the Studebaker Hawk series, the Flight Hawk was manufactured by the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, a company with deep roots in American transportation history. This particular model was a testament to post-war America's optimism and the era's burgeoning love affair with personal luxury vehicles. A standout fact about the Flight Hawk is that it was the entry-level offering in the Hawk line, yet it still exuded a level of sophistication and style that was unmatched by many of its contemporaries.

Design and Innovation

The 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk was a visual feast, with its sleek lines and aircraft-inspired design cues. The exterior styling featured a bold front grille, modest tail fins, and a clean side profile that eschewed excessive chrome for a more refined look. Inside, passengers were greeted with an interior that showcased the quality materials of the time, including durable fabrics and metal accents. The dashboard was an exercise in functional design, with easy-to-read gauges and an uncluttered layout. Technological features were impressive for its day, with options like power steering and automatic transmission available to buyers. Color options ranged from classic whites and blacks to more adventurous hues like Sun Valley Yellow, with many opting for two-tone paint jobs that accentuated the car's lines. The coupe body style was particularly popular among enthusiasts for its sporty appeal.

Historical Significance

The Flight Hawk may not have been the top-of-the-line model in its family, but it played a crucial role in making the Studebaker Hawk series iconic. Its blend of affordability and style allowed a wider range of buyers to access the prestige associated with the Hawk nameplate. The Flight Hawk's design elements would echo through automotive styling for years to come, influencing both American and international manufacturers.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1956 Flight Hawk came equipped with a 185 cubic inch, inline-6 engine that delivered modest performance figures by today's standards but was quite respectable for its time. While top speed and acceleration numbers were not record-breaking—with top speeds around 100 mph and 0-60 mph times north of 10 seconds—the car offered a balanced driving experience. Handling was characterized by a smooth ride quality that absorbed road imperfections well while maintaining composure on winding roads. Drivers often praised the melodious hum of its engine and the tactile feedback through its steering wheel.

Ownership Experience

The Flight Hawk served various roles from being a reliable daily driver to gracing car shows as a polished classic. Maintenance was straightforward for mechanically inclined owners, though some parts have become rarer over time. Reliability was on par with other vehicles of the era, requiring regular attention but rewarding owners with enduring performance.

Fun Facts

This elegant cruiser may not have been as widely celebrated as some of its siblings but did have its share of limelight moments. While not known for breaking speed records or dominating sales charts, it held a charm that attracted discerning owners including celebrities and enthusiasts alike. One common criticism at the time was its less powerful engine compared to other Hawks; however, this was often overlooked due to its more accessible price point.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk has found its niche among classic car collectors. With production numbers believed to be around 4,000 units, it's relatively rare but can still be found through dedicated enthusiast circles or auctions. Values vary greatly depending on condition but typically range from $10,000 for models needing restoration to upwards of $30,000 or more for pristine examples. The market trend shows appreciation for well-maintained or restored Hawks as they continue to capture hearts with their timeless design.

Conclusion

The 1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk remains an emblematic figure in classic American automotive history. It stands as a testament to an era when style met accessibility on four wheels—a combination that continues to resonate with collectors and enthusiasts today. As we look back at this graceful machine, it's clear that the Flight Hawk's legacy soars high above mere nostalgia; it embodies an enduring spirit of innovation and elegance.

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 45Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 4-1/8" long, with 1-5/8" long inner slot. Pair

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high-BN 13Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high., with 3/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/16" bottom O.D-BN 14Spring and Shackle Bushing. 1-1/16" bottom O.D. X 1-1/2" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D-BN 16Spring and Shackle Bushing. 7/8" bottom O.D. X 1-1/8" high, with 1/2" I.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Brake Pedal Pad. For models with automatic transmission-CB 87Brake Pedal Pad. For models with automatic transmission. 3" wide X 7-1/8" long. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D-GF 45Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D., 3-7/16" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair-HR 16Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Stratovue Mirror Base Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 6-1/8" long-MP 965-DStratovue Mirror Base Pad. 1-3/8" wide X 6-1/8" long. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Steering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each-SC 24-ASteering Column Grommet. For 3-speed models. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Headlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D-SM 13-AHeadlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D. Each

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.

1956 Studebaker Flight Hawk Front Vent Window Seals-WR 9404Front Vent Window Seals. Will not fit Hardtops, only Pillar Models. Each piece 29" long. Pair