An observation about Daisy-Mae

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

As I sit here in my college dorm, eager for all this place has to offer, I can't help but reminisce about the times back home. Home seems impossibly far away but the memories are crisp and sharp (ah youth!) Anyway, I came to recognize something both neat and nerdy about Daisy-Mae.

The GT Hawk, by all accounts, really was Studebaker's Marlin. Think about it. Both of them were relatively affordable luxury grand tourers meaning that they didn't cost an absolute fortune. Both of them had production runs lasting three years (GT Hawk: 62-64, Marlin: 65-67). Both of them even had similar production numbers, with the grand total for either being roughly 15,000 units with the first year of production carrying the most as you would expect.

More philosophically, both of them have become overshadowed by stablemates. For the Marlin it was the Javelin/AMX. For the GT Hawk it was the Avanti. This means that both of them have been left out in the cold, so to speak, even by self-proclaimed enthusiasts of either marque. I would also say, with some irony, that it is arguably more unique to show up in a GT Hawk or Marlin to an event than a Javelin or even an Avanti simply because those two latter cars are more recognized by the general public.

This concludes today's long-winded rambling. Have a good day, all!

[Commander Eddie]

Jake, once you start your studies you will have less time to ponder these deep questions.
I saw your Prom photo in the new issue of TW. Pretty darn neat.
Stay healthy, work hard, graduate with honors, and we'll see you on the other side (of college).
In the meantime we will await your next musing.

[studegary]

I owned a '64 Hawk, but never owned a Marlin. I looked at the Marlin and considered one when they were new, but I couldn't bring myself to buy one. I bought a new 1966 Dodge Charger instead.

[8E45E]

I don't know 'far' 'impossibly far away' is from mom & dad's in Florida, but if your new location is in the Salt Belt, PLEASE do yourself a favor, and don't drive 'Daisy-Mae' on the snow covered roads!!!

Craig

[tim333]

I’m still amazed that after all the photos shown everywhere about the car at the prom he never showed his date, I wonder if she felt slighted?

[62champ]

Interesting insight Jake - and you reminded me of my first year within the walls of higher education. I did the 'stay-at-home' thing for two years, and at the college I went to, there was a professor who drove a Marlin - I remember stopping to check it out a couple time, and keep in mind this car was at lease twenty three years old at that point.

Hope the beginning of you college career is a lot of fun - there are innumerable things to learn out there..

[5brown1]

Jake, While I was going to college I cleaned up used and new cars at an AMC dealer. While we were at Kool Deadwood Nights last weekend we saw a beautiful black Marlin.
It brought back the memory of getting a two tone blue Marlin ready to sell - 52 years ago. My wife really liked it.

[Stude Shoo-wop!]

I’m still amazed that after all the photos shown everywhere about the car at the prom he never showed his date, I wonder if she felt slighted?

Honestly, that's an issue of personal privacy and respect. I don't know how she would feel if she had her picture up on a completely random website.

[Noxnabaker]

This makes me kinda laugh, about your girl that is; I'm pretty sure we've all seen girls & women before so that's easily understandable!
Had a Marlin toycar as kid, saw this on internet...

[8E45E]

Honestly, that's an issue of personal privacy and respect. I don't know how she would feel if she had her picture up on a completely random website.

You did post a photo of your mom and you next to your car here. And I bet your mom was far from upset at being shown here, being a family-oriented website.

Craig

[junior]

Honestly, that's an issue of personal privacy and respect. I don't know how she would feel if she had her picture up on a completely random website.

Jake, your level of maturity is a welcome breath of fresh air. I continue to be impressed by the level-headedness of the young guns on this forum. Regarding the parallels between the Marlin and Hawk GT (not that I ever gave consideration to comparing them)you have some great points! Enjoy college this year! cheers, Junior