Is the 62 Hawk GT the first American made GT?

[studeluvr]

I'm just pondering on our 62 GT Hawk and I can't remember any brand X american made cars that boasted a GT brand prior to 62 except maybe Dodge Dart GT. Am I confused again? Or am I not old enough to remember that far back.

[Milaca]

According to Wikipedia, the Dart GT debuted in 1963. Therefor, I am not aware of any other American made production car being badged as a GT in 1962 or prior.

[(S)]

1961 was

Not sure about foreign badges, but technically, the 1961 Hawks were the first GT, although many will argue they were not. An original dash plaque, and Studebaker lit. does call it a GT Hawk and 'silver hawk' nameplates were deleted that year.

[Bill Pressler]

I was never aware of Studebaker ever calling a Hawk a "GT", but rather the "Gran Turismo". We Stude buffs and owners have shortened that to "GT".

[studegary]

Not sure about foreign badges, but technically, the 1961 Hawks were the first GT, although many will argue they were not. An original dash plaque, and Studebaker lit. does call it a GT Hawk and 'silver hawk' nameplates were deleted that year.

In 1961, Studebaker referred to the Hawk model as a GT type of car, not a model designation.

[studegary]

I was never aware of Studebaker ever calling a Hawk a "GT", but rather the "Gran Turismo". We Stude buffs and owners have shortened that to "GT".

Thank you! Thank you! I have fought that battle for years.

[PlainBrownR2]

This should help with the foreign badges:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gran_Turismo_%28racing%29

The Gran Turismo badge overseas originated with Ferrari, Lancia, and Alfa in the '20's. It was homage to grand tour, where an individual was able to make a long journey in luxury, comfort and style. The name was usually given to cars that were in a 2+2 arrangement, or a coupe. They were usually larger, heavier, and designed more for comfort than straight out performance. The vehicles were also usually front engine, rear wheel drive to take advantage of increased cabin space, although a few of the makes played fast and loose with those rules as of late.

[Milaca]

Thank you! Thank you! I have fought that battle for years.

I'm satisfied with the 1962-64 Hawks being referred to as 'GT Hawks' being that the alternative name by non-Stude folks is 'Gran Torino'.

[Steve T]

Ah yes. One of the chapter cars (64 GT Hawk) at a show back in August got tagged a "Gran Torino like the one in the movie"...the owner overheard, rolled his eyes and chuckled. There is a very nice deep green Gran Torino on the cruise circuit locally; its owner starts conversations by saying "Eastwood's in the trunk"...it really does look like the movie car.

(OT, saw a concert in the spring by Jamie Cullum, British jazz singer, who performed the theme from that Eastwood movie. Really lovely song.)

S.

[studeluvr]

So it is settled that the Gran Turismo Hawk is in darn good company and the first American made ride with that nomenclature. Second question is it a Hawk GT or GT Hawk. Either way it is very cool ride to own and play with. Thanks for all the input you are all a big help for us green horns. Studeluvr