1957 Studebaker President Silver Hawk Hardtop 

The first members of the earliest American Studebaker family arrived in the United States in 1736 making landfall at the Port of Philadelphia, (about 30 miles east of Classic Auto Mall!).  By 1840, in the true American entrepreneurial fashion, the first Studebaker wagon factory was established.  Fast forward to 1902 and the Studebaker company was producing electric….yes, electric…automobiles.  After 1911, they began producing, (gas powered), trucks, eventually moving to cars with models such as the 1916 Speedster.  Warp speed once again to the 50's and they introduced a series of “Hawks”, and this is what we have today.

For consignment, a 1957 Silver Hawk in all its finned, (winged?), glory.  An incredible, unique and unmistakable design and this one is a bit of a resto-mod with many upgrades and additions that sets it apart from other Hawks.  The Hawk line was introduced in 1956 and included the Sky, Power, Golden and Flight.  The Silver Hawk landed in 1957 as a pillared coupe, and perched itself to replace '56's Power and Flight Hawk.  This one's been restored and upgraded and is ready to take flight once again. 

Exterior
Striking Viper Blue paint and contrasting Mercury Silver Metallic makes quite a statement and that statement is, “Look at me!”  And one can't help but to gaze at the paint of this big car.  The front end is distinct…. a narrow grille gives way to an enormous chrome bumper that continues upward with gaping chrome-rimmed openings.  A low-profile vent tops the hood and round headlights are topped with circle marker lights.  The long body swoops rearward, as if in motion and in true 50's fashion, ends with tall fins accentuated by gleaming silver paint.  It's hard to imagine that George Barris didn't gain a little inspiration from this car when he built the 60's Batmobile.  The rear view is dramatic as the fins reach outward like wings and the characteristic striated deck lid and scripted emblem leaves no doubt what you're driving behind.  The wrap-around rear window is a spectacular design feature as are side vents on the front fenders.  The simple round taillights are like jet afterburners.  The Cragar SS wheels and chrome exhaust hint at what might be hatching under the hood. 

Interior
The blue and silver theme continues on the inside with beautiful cloth and vinyl seats; split bench up front and in the back where an armrest intersects the two back seats.  Door panels combine materials as well and the tuck-and-roll pattern of the lower half adds depth and design interest.  A LeCarra tilt steering column adjusts the beefy wheel and a turned metal dash surrounds Stewart Warner gauges and some modern additions like a programmable ECU, electrical intermittent wipers, (never driven in rain!), and a GPS speedometer.  Vintage Air supplies the cooling as well as the heating and a long shifter that looks like a manual but acts like an automatic is on the floor.  The tight weave black carpet and the headliner are both in fantastic condition.  The trunk is covered in black carpet mats to fit and is tidy as can be.  

Drivetrain
Looking very clean and neat is the consignor stated 350ci ZZ4 crate engine, fueled by FiTech electronic fuel injection.  Power is transferred via a 700R4 automatic 4-speed transmission with a shift kit.  Power is routed to the rear wheels through a Dana 44 axle with 3.05 gearing and twin traction posi.  Rams horn exhaust manifolds send the gases south and dual electric fans cool this bird off.  The entire drivetrain is a nice package and puts out a consignor-stated 375 horsepower…plenty enough for this bird to take flight.

Undercarriage
The powder-coated frame is as the consignor states…rust free!  It's almost worth not mentioning the spot of surface rust on the front crossmember because it's insignificant, but we must do our due diligence.  This is one of the cleaner undersides we've seen in a while and it's refreshing!  From this vantage point we can see the Lakewood traction bars, QA1 adjustable front shocks, power rack and pinion steering, and power brakes (disc front, drum rear).  Dual exhaust flow to Xlerator mufflers before exiting via chrome tailpipes. 

Drive-ability
You sit surprisingly high in this tall car and room is plentiful.  It's a very comfortable space and the car fired right up sounding more like a lion than a hawk….evident and obvious power lurks under the hood and propelled the car with more than adequate horsepower.  This does not a feel like a 69-year old car in any way…very fresh and manageable…from the steering to the braking to the throttle response…well done! 

The quality of this car soars over your typical restoration.  This is a modern take on a wild design that checks all the boxes for show, go, fun, and collectability.  What a great opportunity to pick up a turn-key Studebaker Silver Hawk.  Building one like this would likely take many years and many, many pesos.  This is a rare bird that's ready for a new cage…er…garage. 

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!