Poll: Which '62 (3/9/2026)

Posted by: @kevins

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@geno Hey Geno, I thought sure you were going to ask me why it took me so long to decide!

I love that Grand Prix but I have to chose the Studebaker here. This is the ninth year of this overall design but I feel it is one of the most iconic designs post war. I have driven both and felt the closest connection to the vehicle when driving the Studebaker Gran Turismo. My younger brother owned the Grand Prix and my best friend had the 1962 Hawk.

@sizedoesmatter   Exactly!    This was a difficult choice, as I owned a white 63 Grand Prix with a black interior (and 8-lug wheels), but I owned three Studebakers at different times, '53 Commander (I was fifteen, then, and never got it running right, but I enjoyed sitting in the garage with it), a '57 Golden Hawk and a 'Reddish' '63 Gran Turismo.  Someone had painted over the original paint with something lighter.  When I purchased the '63 it had mag wheels on it, which didn't really fit the car, but it was a four-speed with overdrive, so it was cool for the time.  For body style, I liked the Gran Turismo best of all.

I'm along time Pontiac and a GP lover but it blends in with everything else on the road. My vote goes to the gorgeous Hawk...it stands out from the crowd. I would not reject the Studebaker because this platform has been been around, beauty is beauty not matter how old.

Gents thanks for your replies. 

I went tie, I like both equally.

An unexpected comparo, but wholly appropriate! The Hawk GT has to be one of the finest re-designs ever. Few restyles ever wind up looking better. I like this one better than the previous versions, unless we go back to the original '53 Starliner. Still, the GP captures my heart and my fascination. 

BTW, can you name another model that looked so good on a restyle, not a new design but a refresh?

@jkuvakas  1963 Corvette?

@gdh, an icon in every way and one of my personal favorites. But that was a new design.

@jkuvakas   I guess it comes down to perspective, for when I look at the back of a '62 Corvette I see the same back end on the '63, which would indicate a redesign, since the back end is very much like its predecessor.

@gdh, you make a good point. While the back end and engine line up stayed the same, the '63 had independent rear suspension, a shorter wheelbase by about 4", a new chassis (actually the older one but highly modified to allow the cabin to sit lower), near perfect weight distribution, a/c was offered, as was power steering, and a completely revamped interior. The differences  were important enough for Chevrolet to label this the "C2"  while the entire production through 1962 was the "C1."

@jkuvakas   ...and the Golden Hawk became the Hawk Gran Turismo in much the same way.  Wikipedia: "The GT Hawk's styling was a fairly radical facelift by designer Brooks Stevens of the older Hawk shape; Stevens went after a European-inspired, clean look for the car he codenamed the "Hawk Monaco" (his prototype even had Monegasque license plates). The hood from the older Hawk was retained, but was given a more pronounced (imitation) radiator frame to more closely resemble the cars of Mercedes-Benz, which at the time were distributed by Studebaker. The grille inside the radiator frame was patterned after the Mercedes as well."

From the viewpoint of some, the Corvette and the Studebaker Hawk both went through 'radical facelifts,' while retaining many of their predecessors' styling.  Even the interior of the Hawk was transformed:

"Stevens also cleaned up the interior with a modern instrument panel that could be ordered with a full complement of large, easy-to-read gauges within close range of the driver's line of sight. The top of the panel was also padded for safety. This dashboard would prove to be another Studebaker trendsetter; later Chrysler models in particular (such as the 1977–1989 Dodge Diplomat) would have instrument arrangements clearly inspired by the Hawk."

The interior cabin of the '63 Corvette was also redesigned, in a similar manner:

"The 1963 Corvette featured a redesigned console that was slimmer and included a full set of round gauges, a larger speedometer, and a tachometer, improving practicality with a roomy glove box and an improved heater. Additionally, the control tower center console was updated to house the clock and radio in a more streamlined manner compared to the 1962 model."

The similarities in their interior redesigns would seem to indicate they both kept some of their characteristics, while others were 'improved upon.'  For instance, the new body design for the Hawk Gran Turismo was a very distinct change (radical) from the Golden Hawk:

"Despite the European influence, the Gran Turismo Hawk drew on American influences, too; the roofline was heavily inspired by the Ford Thunderbird, with thick C-pillars. A chrome edge running from front to rear highlighted the top of the bodywork in very similar fashion to that on the contemporary Lincoln Continental. The taillights were particularly fashioned after the Lincoln's, and the trunk lid was given a faux brightwork "grille" overlay (to hide the grooves of the otherwise carryover 1956–61 lid) that resembled the Lincoln as well.

Stevens's extensive yet inexpensive modifications to the body finally rid the car of the 1950s-style tailfins and bodyside trim of previous models. The rear window was nearly flat and recessed, reducing the cost of an ordinarily expensive piece of glass. Overall, the exterior look kept the smooth, aerodynamic style of previous Studebakers but moved up to date."

'Radical facelift' seems an apt description in regard to the creation of both the C2 and the Gran Turismo, though redesign would also seem suitable.  Either or, tomäto, tomato, oui?