Image of 1963 Studebaker Gran, sourced from www.studebakermuseum.org , Image Link.

Unveiling the 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk

The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk is a testament to the resilience and innovation of an American automaker that dared to stand out during a time when the industry was dominated by giants. Born from the Studebaker Corporation, which had been crafting vehicles since the turn of the 20th century, this model emerged as a beacon of style and performance. Notably, it was one of the last models produced before Studebaker's unfortunate exit from the automotive landscape, making it a poignant chapter in American car history.

Design and Innovation

With its sleek lines and European-inspired aesthetics, the Gran Turismo Hawk's exterior styling was a bold departure from its contemporaries. The vehicle's long hood and short rear deck exuded a sporty elegance, while the squared-off roofline hinted at sophistication. Inside, passengers were greeted with a cabin that prioritized comfort and luxury, featuring materials that were high-quality for its time. The dashboard's aircraft-inspired layout and full instrumentation showcased Studebaker's commitment to driver-centric design.

Technologically, the Hawk was ahead of its curve with features like front disc brakes and a supercharger option for those craving extra power. Color options ranged from dignified classics to vibrant hues, with choices like "Avanti Red" and "Golden Sand" catching buyers' eyes. Among the body styles, it was the two-door coupe that became emblematic of the model's identity.

Historical Significance

The Gran Turismo Hawk carved out its niche by offering a blend of luxury and performance at a time when American consumers were beginning to show an appetite for personal expression through their automobiles. It stood apart with its avant-garde styling and performance options, influencing future generations of personal luxury coupes.

Performance and Handling

Underneath the hood lay a potent V8 engine capable of propelling the Gran Turismo Hawk to impressive speeds for its era. The top speed approached 120 mph, with acceleration from 0-60 mph achievable in under 10 seconds when equipped with the supercharger. On winding roads or when navigating through bumps, drivers appreciated the Hawk's poised handling characteristics. Behind the wheel, one could not help but be charmed by the throaty rumble of its powerplant and the tactile feedback through its steering wheel.

Ownership Experience

The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk found its place as both a daily driver for some and a treasured show car for others. Its robust mechanicals meant reliability was commendable for its time, though modern-day enthusiasts should be prepared for the nuances of maintaining a classic vehicle. Accessibility to parts may pose challenges given its rarity today.

Fun Facts

Among trivia that endears this model to enthusiasts are stories of limited production runs like the R2 Supercharged version and instances of celebrity ownership that add to its allure. While not known for setting records in speed or sales, it has made memorable appearances in period films and television shows.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk for its unique place in automotive history. With production numbers estimated around 4,000 units for that year, it is relatively rare. Values can vary widely based on condition and originality but expect well-maintained examples to fetch anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000 or more at auction. As interest in mid-century design grows, so too does appreciation for models like this—both in terms of esteem and market value.

Conclusion

The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk stands as an icon of an era where style began to match substance in American cars. It is remembered not just as a product of Studebaker's final years but as a vehicle that encapsulated a moment in time where innovation met elegance on four wheels—a true classic in every sense.

1963 Studebaker Gran Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 67Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 5-3/8" long, with 1-3/4" long inner slot. Pair

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran 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

1963 Studebaker Gran Tail-light Gaskets. Each is: 11-1/2" long X 5/16" wide-MP 965-CTail-light Gaskets. Each is: 11-1/2" long X 5/16" wide. Set

1963 Studebaker Gran Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1963 Studebaker Gran Rubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights-MP 979-CRubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights. 8-7/8" wide X 10" long. Pair

1963 Studebaker Gran 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