Anybody know this '56 Golden Hawk?

[riversidevw]

[QUOTE=S2Deluxe;1064796]

All C or K bodies are beautiful in black! Most now are already over or rapidly approaching 60 years of age. In areas that get snow on the roads during the winter months, especially if salt is used, they see very little use during those periods. During those periods when it's warmer out and they are left parked in the sunshine with the windows up, it can be quite unpleasant to have to get in. Especially if someone is wearing shorts and some black upholstery materials are also used on the seats! Rolling the windows down and waiting does help but that does take awhile. Air conditioning will cool a hot interior much more quickly and it was an option at least for the "57 - '58 Golden Hawks, possibly '56s also but I'm not so sure of that. Examples of those that were actually equipped with it from the factory are scarcer than the proverbial hens teeth! It is certainly possible to add non factory AC, but the additional expense on top of the cost of a repaint is enough to persuade many (CASO)s to go for the color change!

Mark

I'd be inclined to invest in a pair of long trousers and perhaps a temporary cloth seat cover.

Admittedly, black takes more time and effort to maintain appearance. Rather suspect that enters the equation for some.

[studegary]

[QUOTE=S2Deluxe;1064796]

All C or K bodies are beautiful in black! Most now are already over or rapidly approaching 60 years of age. In areas that get snow on the roads during the winter months, especially if salt is used, they see very little use during those periods. During those periods when it's warmer out and they are left parked in the sunshine with the windows up, it can be quite unpleasant to have to get in. Especially if someone is wearing shorts and some black upholstery materials are also used on the seats! Rolling the windows down and waiting does help but that does take awhile. Air conditioning will cool a hot interior much more quickly and it was an option at least for the "57 - '58 Golden Hawks, possibly '56s also but I'm not so sure of that. Examples of those that were actually equipped with it from the factory are scarcer than the proverbial hens teeth! It is certainly possible to add non factory AC, but the additional expense on top of the cost of a repaint is enough to persuade many (CASO)s to go for the color change!

Mark

I have not known of a 1957 or 1958 Golden Hawk with factory air conditioning. I checked the Salesman's Data Book for each year. For 1957, it was not available (for any Hawk). For 1958, the large, ugly underdash unit was an option (not the rear mounted unit used in sedans) (for all Hawks, including Packard Hawk).

[studegary]

[QUOTE=riversidevw;1064804]

I'd be inclined to invest in a pair of long trousers and perhaps a temporary cloth seat cover.

Admittedly, black takes more time and effort to maintain appearance. Rather suspect that enters the equation for some.

When I sold cars, people would ask if the leather seats were hot to sit on in shorts. I told them that I don't drive cars in shorts.

I like a dark color on cars, particularly black. I also agree that they look nice when clean, but are hard to keep really clean. I remember cleaning the exterior of my black Avanti three times before judging (on the day of judging) at an SDC International Meet (got a First Place). Every time I buy a new black car, I say, never again. Not so much choice/control with a used car. My two current everyday cars are Deep Cranberry and Dark Emerald Green.

[S2Deluxe]

When I sold cars, people would ask if the leather seats were hot to sit on in shorts. I told them that I don't drive cars in shorts.

Sometimes, on hot summer afternoons, it's nice to have the option available.

I like a dark color on cars, particularly black. My two current everyday cars are Deep Cranberry and Dark Emerald Green.

Those are certainly very attractive colors, I also find dark colors very appealing! I imagine your "current everyday cars" are also air conditioned? The car that planted the seed, for my love of Studebaker, in me. Was a '57 Silver Hawk that belonged to my folks until I was about 10 years old. I'm not sure of the name of the black that was available in 1957? It was either Velvet Black or Midnight Black and that is on the production order copy I have around somewhere! It also had black vinyl around the outsides of the seats and almost No one had AC in those days! I have Vivid childhood memories of getting into that car after it had been parked and locked, sitting in the sunshine with the windows up. So, I don't find it particularly surprising that, over the years, several have been repainted in lighter colors!

Mark