Received the January TW today and read a story by Tim Halchuk about a 61 Hawk he had stolen from him in pieces. In this article he states he purchased a 1961 limited edition GT Hawk #61v25406 and states the Gran Turismo was identified by having a 289 engine, bucket seats, TT, 4 speed tranny and a full dashboard, whatever that is. Since I have a car that matches that description it caught my eye but I have never heard of such a model designation. What say the experts on these things?
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61 gran turismo hawk ?
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The "Gran Turismo" term was indeed used in Studebaker advertising for the 1961 Hawk, but it didn't appear on the car itself. Tying the Gran Turismo name to "289 engine, bucket seats, TT, 4 speed tranny and a full dashboard" is just someone's imagination in more recent times. Studebaker enthusiasts consider Gran Turismo Hawks to be 1962-64 only.
-Dwight FitzSimons, two '64 Hawks
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In 1961, 'Gran Turismo' was used as an adjective in their advertising; not an actual model name until 1962.
It was a repeat of what Studebaker did in their advertising in the mid-thirties, where they referred to their cars as 'Champions', although that name didn't appear on any Studebaker until mid-1939.
Craig
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostThe 1961 Studebaker 'Hawk', equipped with the four speed trans, p/s, and those cushy '61 only' seats, is perhaps the nicest driving, tightest, and possibly the best looking of all Studebaker Hawks built from '56 thru '64. (IMHO)
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I painted a 61 hawk with 289, 4 speed and bucket seats for a young guy in St. Paul.MN back in the late 70's early 80's. We went from sliver to black with a red stripe on the fin and it had red velour seats. Always wondered what happened to that car. I've got a picture of it somewhere if I can still find it.
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I have had a 61 hawk 4 speed for almost 30 years now, I am the second owner. I have several of the ads showing the 61 hawks as GT. My impression is that Studebaker had thoughts of referring to the 4-speed 61 hawks as GT hawks but for some reason abandoned the GT name prior to production.Milt
1947 Champion (owned since 1967)
1961 Hawk 4-speed
1967 Avanti
1961 Lark 2 door
1988 Avanti Convertible
Member of SDC since 1973
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StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967
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I see that production was to be limited to 6100 units. How many were actually produced? 61 is my favorite finned Hawk. Would certianly be open to owning one, especially a 4 speed.Don Wilson, Centralia, WA
40 Champion 4 door*
50 Champion 2 door*
53 Commander K Auto*
53 Commander K overdrive*
55 President Speedster
62 GT 4Speed*
63 Avanti R1*
64 Champ 1/2 ton
* Formerly owned
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Originally posted by ddub View PostI see that production was to be limited to 6100 units. How many were actually produced? 61 is my favorite finned Hawk. Would certianly be open to owning one, especially a 4 speed.
Agreed on your choice. 1961 is my favorite Hawk of all, period. Really nice interiors, bucket seats and a 4-speed...but still with fins. Nice package I've always liked.
Nelson Bove (in photo) and I extracted this one a couple years ago from its protracted slumber since 1972(?), IIRC. The first Mayor of Carmel IN, the hy-klass town north of Indianapolis, bought it new:
BPWe've got to quit saying, "How stupid can you be?" Too many people are taking it as a challenge.
G. K. Chesterton: This triangle of truisms, of father, mother, and child, cannot be destroyed; it can only destroy those civilizations which disregard it.
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I had a 61 Hawk w/4 speed back in the early 70's. Black with red interior. It had a full flow 289 clover leaf engine. I paid $200 for it. Last that I knew it was in Iowa missing engine and transmission. I have always said that if I were to ever buy another Hawk it would be a 61
Denny L
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Originally posted by 8E45E View PostRich, I don't see the optional clock in the dash in this car. CraigStudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967
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