RARE BIRD; 1964 STUDEBAKER GRAN TURISMO HAWK.(Escape Roads)

Byline: BROOKS BRIERLEY

One of the most successful automobile recyclings began in 1953 as the landmark Studebaker coupe designed by Raymond Loewy. For the 1956 model year, the financially troubled manufacturer could afford to add only a sporty radiator grille and finned rear fenders. Even so, rechristening the new model as the Hawk created an interesting market niche.

When dynamic Sherwood Egbert took over Studebaker in 1961, he had Brooks Stevens update the Hawk, again on a tight budget. Stevens' changes were wizardry-making an eye-catching, bolt-on facelift look substantial.

This 1964 model, one of the last Hawks built, was originally purchased in Augusta, Georgia. In 2001, Pennsylvania resident Dale Shaffer found the car for sale in Virginia. To help maintain it, he found a mechanic who had once worked at the local Studebaker dealership. The transmission was rebuilt, but no other major work was done.

This Hawk is a good-size car-204 inches long with a 120.5-inch wheelbase. It's slightly more than 54 inches high yet easily accommodates tall drivers.

The 240-hp "R1 Jet Thrust'' V8 was one of the more modest Hawk engine options. The short (about four inches) floor-shift lever indicates this Hawk has the "Power Shift Automatic'' transmission. Inside, the thin-ribbed vinyl upholstery is original, in an attractive, deep orange-tan hue. Front buckets are separated by a small console with storage space. The ...