Pick of the Day: 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk

The Studebaker Hawk story can get confusing. Though initially produced in 1953 as the Commander and Champion Starliner hardtop and Starlight coupe, they were produced in an array of models by the time the style was discontinued for 1965. Our Pick of the Day is a 1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk, one of the lesser-known incarnations of this style. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Brandford, Connecticut. (Click the link to view the listing)

For 1953-54, the Studebaker coupes were Starliner hardtops and Starlight (pillared) coupes, available in as a Commander V8 and Champion six. For 1955, Studebaker rearranged things and offered the President State hardtop and coupe, Commander V8 coupe, and Champion six hardtop and coupe, with the special President Speedster topping the range.

Starting in 1956, the two-doors were given a heavy facelift with a prominent grille and, in some models, rear fins. The Golden Hawk hardtop was the all-new heavy of the bunch, with the Sky Hawk V8 hardtop, Power Hawk V8 coupe, and Flight Hawk six coupe rounding out the series. For 1957, the Golden Hawk continued on, now joined by the new Silver Hawk coupe. The Silver Hawk was the sole Hawk for 1959, then the series simply became “Hawk” for 1960-61. That was replaced by the impressive, Brooks Stevens-tweaked Gran Turismo Hawk for 1962-64.

The 1959 Silver Hawk was “built for performance designed for function,” according to Studebaker. The L-head six and 259 V8 were available, the latter offering 180 horsepower with a two-barrel and 195 with a four-pot. This one features the two-barrel and is backed by a three-speed manual with overdrive. “Everything works as it should,” says the seller. “No rust anywhere, as it spent most of its time in Texas.”

Per the seller, most of the refinishing took place in 2017 under previous ownership, plus the tires and Truspoke wire wheels are new, so we can infer there’s plenty of collectible cruising left in this vehicle’s future. Wish to be part of this Stude’s future? Then go to the bank and get $32,500.