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Topic starter
06/05/2022 10:53 am
1958 marked the death of Packard and the disfigurement of the the Studebaker Golden Hawk 400 that was badged as the Packard Hawk. With its fiberglass "catfish" front end and hood and deck lid. Luxury upgrades in the interior included all leather upholstery and external padded armrest. The Studebaker 289 V8 was enhanced with a McCulloch supercharger (they were leasing the Packard plant at the time) that gave the car 279 hp through their 3 speed automatic transmission. This Packard model was to compete with the new "square bird" Thunderbird. At $3995, it was $700 more expensive than the Golden Hawk to accommodate all the upgrades, but sold only 588 units most likely because it was public knowledge that the Packard brand was soon to be extinct. The last Packard Hawk I ever remembered seeing on the road was in the mid-sixties where the Clark, NJ police parked a tired looking black example on the side of a main road with its left taillight replaced with radar gear. I thought that was quite novel. The chase car was two blocks further down the road.
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06/05/2022 10:59 am
great story and photos !!.....especially the side by side shots !!!......
...as for the interior close ups___I`m guessing those required no less than a trained hamster 😀Â
Topic starter
06/05/2022 12:26 pm
@john-barry My pet Hamster, Rosie, has been an invaluable asset over the years.
06/05/2022 12:31 pm
great story and photos !!.....especially the side by side shots !!!......
...as for the interior close ups___I`m guessing those required no less than a trained hamster 😀Â
@john-barry My pet Hamster, Rosie, has been an invaluable asset over the years.
I KNEW it!!!!!
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06/05/2022 5:12 pm
What a HORRIBLE looking car; quite the contrast (and slap) to the gorgeous Golden Hawk design. I think this is the ugliest American car ever made.
Steve Jacobs and Steve Jacobs reacted
06/05/2022 7:07 pm
Wonderful photos of two amazing models. The Packard is a pitiful little thing, it is a shame that the Packard went out on this note. On the bright side, they gave us a car that is still getting attention all these years later.Â
The model is one that I really appreciate having in my collection and I very pleased that DM offered it.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Tony Perrone and Tony Perrone reacted
07/05/2022 3:42 am
@jack-dodds Certainly a top contender Jack, but to me thats its appeal, along with its historical significance. Kudos to DM for producing it, a nice variation from perennial favorites. And yes the Hawk design in timeless. They sold here in Australia and there are still quite a few around bringing lots of wows when spotted. And of course thank you Rich for another great photo essay.
Topic starter
07/05/2022 11:06 am
I loved the Golden Hawk design and they were so easy to customize as all the panels from 1953 to '63 were interchangeable. Most often used was the deck lid from the '53 that lowered the trunk right to the rear bumper eliminating the vertical fascia and accentuating those great tail fins. When I was in my teens, my neighbor customized his supercharged Hawk and clad the car in about 19 layers of hand rubbed Candy Apple Red with white top and side accents. I was in love!
07/05/2022 12:40 pm
I believe that I'm in Great Company here as I too love the Golden Hawk !
When selling my collection that is one model I kept. I found it over 20yrs ago, with wood base and display case, at a thrift shop for $20.Â
Steve
Tony Perrone and Tony Perrone reacted