This fine example of the last Studebaker Hawk produced is owned by Ron and Kathie Bell.  It underwent a family and friends restoration several years ago and is still in great shape today.

 

There were only 1,767 GT Hawks made for the 1964 model year, with the last one coming off the South Bend line on December 20th, 1963.  (All South Bend production ended in December of 1963).

 

This car is equipped with the optional front-half vinyl Sport Roof and factory air conditioning.  The most significant change from the 1963 models was the elimination of the deck lid overlay, which on all prior GT’s had been used to cover up the horizontal grooves found in the deck lids of all the regular Hawk (1956 to 1961).  The new deck lid had no recessed area.  New badges for the deck lid, grill and sides were used, and the hood now sported the new “Circle S” ornament.  The tail light housings were chromed and a simpler nonvoting side grill with clear parking lights lenses and amber bulbs were used.  A new Hawk emblem in the center of the grill replaced the former tri-color badge.

 

Interior changes were slight with modification to the interior door panels and some minor changes to the dash area.

 

The new special Avanti 304.5 cu. in. R3 and R4 engines were offered as options, but none were ever equipped on any production models.  Studebaker ran speed trials at Bonneville in October of 63, reaching a top speed of 154 mph with a 335 hp proto type R3 GT Hawk, clearly the fastest Hawk ever created.

 

On our annual spring tour with the Rock River Valley Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club, one of the more memorable events was the trip to the Gilmore Car Museum.  The museum is located on a 90-acre campus midway between Detroit and Chicago.  It contains an amazing collection of over 300 vintage automobiles, motorcycles, and memories.  It’s America’s Signature Collection, and the ultimate experience for any car guy or gal.  The tour starts in the “Gilmore Heritage Center”, an air conditioned section of the campus, housing an opening collection of vintage cars, followed by the Hudson collection, the Franklin Collection, and a vintage Hot Rod collection.  Exiting the building you go across the street to the Ford Model A collection, in another air conditioned building, then move on to the Pierce Arrow Collection in still another air conditioned building.  On this street, they are also building two new venues, the Cadillac & LaSalle building, and the Lincoln building (the Lincoln building will be dedicated Aug 2nd, this year).  From here you have to move out into the campus where the barns hold collections for the ACCA and others.  The free running gif above will only wet your appetite as to what might be in store for you if you decide to visit.  Note:  I photo shopped the 57 Golden Hawk and the 48 Champion Convertible into the gas station photos, keeping in mind, we are a Studebaker Club.