1957 Studebaker Silver Hawk

The Studebaker Silver Hawk was a six-seater coupé manufactured by the Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, Indiana, from 1957 to 1959. The Silver Hawk replaced the two less powerful models in the four-model Hawk range of 1956: the Flight Hawk, fitted with the Champion’s six-cylinder engine, and the Power Hawk, fitted with the Commander’s 4.2-litre V8 engine. Both models were B-pillar coupés intended for the US market, and the Silver Hawk was designed in the same way. This Studebaker Silver Hawk, with its 182 SAE PS 4.2-litre V8 and automatic gearbox, was originally delivered to Switzerland; it cleared customs on 11 January 1957 and was first registered on 29 March of that year. The early history of this particular coupé is unknown, but the available documentation shows that it was fitted with a reconditioned replacement gearbox in 1985. In August 1989, the Studebaker was acquired by the last owner, who had enjoyed driving the car over the past 37 years and had always looked after it with great care. The meticulously organized records show that, amongst other things, the Silver Hawk was fitted with a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system in 1992 and was repainted in 1999 from its original black and white livery to its current shades of green – needless to say, the interior was also updated to match the new color scheme. In 2000, the engine was overhauled, including the fitting of new pistons, bearings, valves, valve guides and valve seats; the brake booster was also overhauled. In 2001, the automatic gearbox was overhauled, and in 2002 the engine’s connecting rod and main bearings were replaced once again, whilst the fuel tank was restored. To improve thermal management, the Studebaker was also fitted with an additional electric fan in 2020, and in 2025 all the brake cylinders were overhauled. Currently, this beautiful Silver Hawk is in good to very good condition and is sure to bring its new owner many years of enjoyment. The most recent veteran MOT took place in May 2024, meaning the car can be registered immediately in most cantons of German-speaking Switzerland.