The Studebaker Golden Hawk was the top version of the Hawk series. Designed by Raymond Loewy and based on the earlier Champion and Commander models. The Golden Hawk received the powerful 352ci. Packard engine, producing 275 bhp, and it was one of the fastest American cars on the market in 1956. Many people consider the Golden Hawk as a precursor for the muscle cars, as it combined a big engine in a relatively light sportscoupé body. Two-tone paintwork and upholstery were available as an option, and an automatic transmission and power steering were optional equipment as well (but luckily our example has the standard manual gearbox).

The example we are offering for sale has succesfully compaigned in the 2017 Mille Miglia. It was one of the eyecatchers on the starting grid, as it is a huge and impressive car with a lovely V8 growl. The original colour combination of Tangerine and white (both in- and outside) doesn't make it a shrinking violet either... The car performed the 1000 miles faultlessly, and while many competitors were stranded on the hard shoulder, the big Studebaker continued its way to Brescia in utter comfort. The car was completely restored by an American Studebaker specialist, and was especially bought to participate in the Mille Miglia. It came to Belgium at the end of 2016, received a few (accepted) improvements, got a FIVA passport and was accepted from the first attempt. This is probably one of the most straightforward ways of getting a Mille Miglia starting number, and all within a very reasonable budget. This is not a multi million exotic sportscar which may break down, but a very reliable and incredibly cool cruiser made to cover distances in the most comfortable way. The powerful V8 engine in combination with the strong manual gearbox is a perfect recipe for a long distance rally car. Apart from the Belgian registration and FIVA passport, the car also has ACI certification and Registro 1000 Miglia certificate approval, which is an obligation today if you wish to enter the Mille Miglia.

I think it is quite clear : this is a fantastic opportunity to get your entry ticket for the 2020 edition of the Mille Miglia, as no other Studebaker was on the enquiry list. It is a welcome change in between the many italian barchettas, and as the car has been accepted for the 2017 edition it is almost certain it will be accepted again for future Mille Miglia's. And all that for the price of a second hand sportscar !

So if the Mille Miglia is on your bucket list, you should quickly have a look at this Golden Hawk. The Italians love it, and it is one of the few "no stress" cars to race from Brescia to Brescia.