1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk: The Rare American Classic That Redefined Elegance
Few American cars from the 1960s combine distinctive styling, engineering character and rarity quite like the 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk. Designed during one of the most important periods in Studebaker's history, the Gran Turismo Hawk represented a bold interpretation of the American grand touring coupe.
While many American manufacturers were embracing large bodies, heavy chrome and increasingly dramatic styling, Studebaker took a different approach. The Gran Turismo Hawk introduced a cleaner, more sophisticated appearance with styling influences that gave the car a distinctly European character.
The result was a stylish two-door coupe that looked different from almost everything else on American roads. More than six decades later, the Gran Turismo Hawk remains one of the most fascinating classic cars ever produced by Studebaker.
A Final Evolution of the Legendary Hawk
The Studebaker Hawk name had already established itself as one of the company's most recognizable performance-oriented nameplates. For the 1962 model year, Studebaker introduced the redesigned Gran Turismo Hawk, giving the classic Hawk concept a more refined grand-touring identity.
The design was created under the direction of legendary American industrial designer Brooks Stevens. His work gave the Hawk a cleaner silhouette and a more sophisticated visual character, helping it move away from the excessive styling trends that dominated much of the American automotive industry at the time.
The 1963 model year brought further exterior and interior revisions, making the Gran Turismo Hawk one of the most distinctive cars in Studebaker's final years as an independent American automaker.
Exterior Design: American Style With European Influence
One of the strongest features of the 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk was its exterior design. Instead of relying on excessive decoration, the car used relatively clean lines and carefully integrated details.
The 1963 model received changes to its front-end appearance, including a revised grille treatment and other detail changes that gave the car a fresher and more sophisticated look.
The long hood, low roofline and two-door coupe proportions created the unmistakable image of a classic American grand tourer, while the restrained styling gave it an unusually international appearance.
The 289 V8: More Than Just a Beautiful Coupe
Under the hood, the Gran Turismo Hawk offered the kind of V8 power expected from a performance-oriented American car of its era.
The standard engine for the 1963 American-market Gran Turismo Hawk was Studebaker's 289-cubic-inch V8, equivalent to approximately 4.7 liters.
The standard two-barrel carbureted version produced approximately 210 horsepower, while a four-barrel configuration increased output to approximately 225 horsepower.
For buyers seeking considerably more performance, Studebaker offered its Jet Thrust engines. The naturally aspirated R1 V8 produced 240 horsepower, while the supercharged R2 version produced 289 horsepower.
Transmission Options
The 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk was available with several transmission configurations, allowing buyers to choose between traditional manual driving and automatic convenience.
- Three-speed manual transmission
- Three-speed manual with overdrive
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Flight-O-Matic automatic transmission
- Powershift automatic transmission on selected configurations
Super Hawk: The Performance-Focused Version
For enthusiasts who wanted more than a stylish cruiser, Studebaker offered the Super Hawk package for 1963.
The Super Hawk incorporated performance-oriented upgrades designed to complement the more powerful engines. Depending on configuration, the package could include upgraded suspension components, improved braking equipment and other chassis enhancements.
The combination of the Super Hawk package and the R2 supercharged V8 created one of the most desirable versions of the Gran Turismo Hawk.
According to the Studebaker National Museum, only 44 1963 Super Hawks equipped with the R2 engine were produced, making this particular configuration exceptionally rare.
Interior: Classic American Grand Touring
Inside, the Gran Turismo Hawk continued the same philosophy found on the outside: a combination of comfort, style and distinctive details.
The cabin featured period-correct upholstery, a driver-focused dashboard and decorative trim that reflected Studebaker's attempt to position the Hawk as a more sophisticated grand touring automobile.
The 1963 model also received interior trim revisions, including changes to the seat upholstery design. Depending on equipment, buyers could enjoy features that made the Hawk suitable for both relaxed cruising and longer-distance touring.
1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk |
| Model Year | 1963 |
| Body Style | Two-door hardtop coupe |
| Engine | 289-cubic-inch V8 |
| Engine Displacement | Approximately 4.7 liters |
| Standard Output | 210 hp |
| Four-Barrel Version | 225 hp |
| R1 V8 | 240 hp |
| R2 Supercharged V8 | 289 hp |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase | Approximately 120.5 inches |
| Overall Length | Approximately 204 inches |
| Production | 4,634 units |
How Rare Is the 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk?
Rarity is one of the most important reasons the Gran Turismo Hawk continues to attract collectors.
According to production information documented by the Studebaker National Museum, total 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk production reached approximately 4,634 cars.
Of that total, production included cars built for the American market, Canadian production and vehicles destined for export markets.
The performance versions were considerably rarer. Only hundreds of cars were built with the R1 and R2 engines, while the R2-equipped Super Hawk represents an especially scarce configuration.
Performance in the Early 1960s
By modern standards, the Gran Turismo Hawk was not a lightweight sports car. It was a substantial American grand touring coupe. However, the availability of Studebaker's high-performance V8 engines transformed the character of the car.
Period testing demonstrated that the performance versions could deliver impressive acceleration for the early 1960s. The R2 supercharged configuration was particularly notable, giving the Hawk serious high-speed capability.
This combination of long-distance comfort, distinctive styling and available V8 performance is exactly what makes the Gran Turismo Hawk interesting today.
Why the 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk Matters
The importance of the 1963 Gran Turismo Hawk goes beyond its numbers. The car represents a critical chapter in the history of Studebaker, one of America's oldest automobile manufacturers.
Studebaker was operating in an increasingly difficult American automotive market, competing against much larger manufacturers. Against that background, the Gran Turismo Hawk demonstrated the company's willingness to produce distinctive vehicles rather than simply follow mainstream styling trends.
The influence of Brooks Stevens, the availability of Jet Thrust V8 engines and the car's limited production all contribute to its unique place in American automotive history.
Collector Value and Investment Potential
Today, the Gran Turismo Hawk appeals strongly to collectors who want something different from the more commonly recognized American classics of the 1960s.
However, describing any classic car as a guaranteed investment would be misleading. The value of an individual Gran Turismo Hawk depends on factors such as originality, condition, restoration quality, documentation, engine specification and market demand.
Rare factory configurations, original components and well-documented histories can make particular examples considerably more desirable among collectors.
Why Collectors Still Love the Gran Turismo Hawk
- Distinctive Brooks Stevens styling
- Limited 1963 production of 4,634 cars
- 289-cubic-inch Studebaker V8 power
- Available R1 and R2 Jet Thrust engines
- Rare R2 Super Hawk configuration
- Strong connection to Studebaker's final era
- Unique combination of American and European-inspired styling
- Increasing historical significance among classic cars
Final Verdict: A True American Automotive Gem
The 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk remains one of the most intriguing classic American coupes ever produced.
It was elegant without being ordinary, powerful without being excessive, and distinctive at a time when American cars were becoming increasingly extravagant.
With its Brooks Stevens design, 289 V8, available Jet Thrust engines, limited production and fascinating Studebaker heritage, the Gran Turismo Hawk has earned its place among the classic cars worth remembering.
More than sixty years after its introduction, its greatest strength may be the same quality that made it special in 1963: it simply does not look or feel like everything else.
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