Yesterday I took my '64 R1 Hawk to the Hagley Car Show. For those not in the mid-Atlantic, it is one of the largest shows on the East Coast, with about 600+ cars for a fun day - no judging, just a great day at the former DuPont Estate and gunpowder mills in Wilmington DE. Cars of all makes and models are there, with a lot of 60s and 70s Detroit muscle in attendance, plus the many early Fords and others. I was lucky enough to have the Hawk selected for the parade, in which 10 to 15 cars drive before the crowd and a short commentary of each car is given. My son did the driving. Needless to say, the Hawk was a major hit. It was parked prior to and after the parade along with several other vintage vehicles, model Ts, Maxwell, Packard, etc. and it was like a magnet. when people approached they were drawn to the Studebaker before the others, and photos inside and out were being taken. Most could not believe the car was a real model that had been for sale to the public, as opposed to a custom of some sort. When my son drove it up to the podium a number of people crowded around and asked questions and one guy even tried to buy it. I think it is a testament to Studebaker, along with Brooks Stevens' update that has made these cars real standouts in a field of many ho-hum cars, even of their day. Hats off to all that made these cars happen!
-
Last edited by Dan White; 09-19-2022, 12:06 PM.Dan White
64 R1 GT
64 R2 GT
58 C Cab
57 Broadmoor (Marvin) -
Keep in mind, that actual body design goes back to 1953. 2023 will mark 70 years for the original.
Craig -
A Car Story without a photo?Comment
-
NOW you're Talking Dan!Originally posted by Dan White View Post
Did you show 'em the Factory Chromed R1 289?StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967Comment
-
Upon request, I did open the hood for a while and let folks see the chrome (also the polished aluminum intake - an original Lionel Stone R3 adapted R2) . However, having the hood up sort of ruins the overall side view. The Hawk just has a great stance as is. I think I could sell a lot of these if I could setup a factory in like South Bend IN?Dan White
64 R1 GT
64 R2 GT
58 C Cab
57 Broadmoor (Marvin)Comment
-
Beautiful Dan! Great PR. I had mine out for a cruise and a guy asked me "who made Studebaker?"
Rob in PA.Comment
-
Decades ago at a large midwest car show, I had a gentleman ask me about a GT Hawk our chapter had on display. "Is it a Mercedes Benz or a Rolls Royce?". He had never heard of Studebaker, and was surprised to hear it was made in the 1960's by an American company, not in Europe in the 80's.The only difference between death and taxes is that death does not grow worse every time Congress convenes. - Will RogersComment
Comment