Image of 1960 Studebaker Hawk, sourced from www.studebakermuseum.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1960 Studebaker Hawk is a vehicle that encapsulates the spirit of innovation and the boldness of design from an era on the cusp of change. Born from the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, this model was part of a lineage that brought forth a blend of performance and style. At a time when America's love affair with the automobile was in full swing, the Hawk soared as a testament to Studebaker's commitment to craftsmanship and forward-thinking. Notably, it was one of the last models produced before Studebaker's unfortunate decline, making it a poignant figure in automotive history.

Design and Innovation

The 1960 Studebaker Hawk boasted an exterior that was both sleek and muscular, with a long hood and short rear deck that gave it an aggressive stance. Its low-slung profile was accentuated by a distinctive grille and a hawk emblem that commanded attention. Inside, the Hawk offered a cabin swathed in luxury materials for its time, with metal accents that echoed the car's exterior styling. Technologically, it featured advancements such as available power steering and brakes, which were not yet standard in all cars. Color options ranged from the dignified Ebony Black to the vibrant Pima Red, with Regal Red often catching buyers' eyes. The most iconic body style was undoubtedly the coupe, which perfectly embodied the car's sporty yet elegant essence.

Historical Significance

The 1960 Studebaker Hawk left an indelible mark on automotive design with its blend of European influences and American flair. It stood apart from its contemporaries by offering a personal luxury coupe experience at a time when this concept was still evolving. Its lasting influence can be seen in the personal luxury coupes that became popular in the following decades.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the Hawk housed a powerful V8 engine capable of propelling it to impressive speeds for its time. The top speed hovered around the 120 mph mark, while acceleration from 0-60 mph could be achieved in approximately 10 seconds—a respectable figure for its era. The Hawk handled with poise, absorbing bumps commendably while maintaining composure on windy roads. Driving this car was an auditory delight as well; the engine's rumble was music to any gearhead's ears, complementing the tactile feedback from its solid steering and suspension setup.

Ownership Experience

The 1960 Studebaker Hawk found its niche among various types of owners—from daily drivers to show car enthusiasts and occasional racers. Maintenance and reliability were on par for cars of its age, with many parts being relatively straightforward to source and repair for those familiar with classic vehicles.

Fun Facts

A fascinating tidbit about the Hawk is its brush with celebrity status; several high-profile individuals were known to own one. Although not record-breaking in terms of speed or sales, it held its own in endurance and reliability tests of the time. Despite some criticisms about its aging platform during its later years in production, enthusiasts have come to appreciate these quirks as part of its charm.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors find themselves drawn to the 1960 Studebaker Hawk for its unique place in automotive history. While exact production numbers are hard to pin down, estimates suggest that several thousand were produced. As for value range, well-preserved Hawks can fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 depending on condition and originality, showing appreciation over time as they become rarer finds on the market.

Conclusion

The 1960 Studebaker Hawk remains an emblematic figure within classic car circles—a symbol of Studebaker's final flourish before fading into history. Its combination of style, performance, and luxury continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. As we look back on this storied model, we're reminded that like a hawk in flight, it soared above expectations and carved out its own piece of automotive legacy.

1960 Studebaker Hawk Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker Hawk Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair-BN 107Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker Hawk Mirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-B, check dimensions-MP 965-AMirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-B, check dimensions. 1" wide X 7" long. Each

1960 Studebaker Hawk Mirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-A, check dimensions-MP 965-BMirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-A, check dimensions. 1-1/8" wide X 6-3/4" long. Each

1960 Studebaker Hawk Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1960 Studebaker Hawk Rubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights-MP 979-CRubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights. 8-7/8" wide X 10" long. Pair

1960 Studebaker 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

1960 Studebaker 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.

1960 Studebaker Hawk Front Vent Window Seals-WR 9404Front Vent Window Seals. Will not fit Hardtops, only Pillar Models. Each piece 29" long. Pair