Packard Hawk

Manufacturer:	Packard
Production:	1958
Class:	motor car
Built:	588
Body and chassis
Body styles:	coupe
Doors:	two door
Chassis/body:	steel
Engine and Powertrain
Drive:	rear
Engine power:	Power: 275 bhp
Engine type:	V8 cast iron (4735 cc)
Engine location:	front
Transmission:	automatic Borg-Warner Flightomatic
Cooling:	water cooled

The Packard Hawk was one of four Packard automobiles manufactured by Studebaker-Packard Corporation in 1958. The original Packard factory in Detroit was already leased to Curtiss-Wright (and was soon sold to them), and the Packard models were all redesigned Studebaker models with Packard company shields. The Packard Hawk was actually a Studebaker Golden Hawk , which was slightly changed in shape and features.

Instead of the Studebaker's large, nearly vertical grille, the Packard had a wide, low fish mouth just above the front bumper over the entire width of the vehicle. There was a slightly sloping nose and a bonnet reminiscent of the 1953 Studebaker but with a bulge like the Golden Hawk. Among them was the McCulloch centrifugal compressor , with which the Studebaker V8 with 4735 cc engine capacity of 275 bhp (202 kW) reached. The sides of the tail fins were covered with metallized PET film , which gave them a metallic-golden appearance. A spare wheel cover (without spare wheel underneath!) Graced the boot lid. The name PACKARD was enthroned in large letters on the front mask; in the back was the Packard emblem and the name Hawk attached to the trunk lid and tail fins.

Inside, the car was completely lined with leather and had the complete instrumentation. As with old aircraft, a padded armrest was attached outside the side windows, a rare feature detail.

The styling of the car was much discussed. Only 558 copies were built, although it may have played a role that the task of the Packard brand was already in the air. The Hawk was certainly the fastest Packard ever to be sold as it shared most of the components with the Studebaker Golden Hawk. The car cost $ 3,995, about $ 700 more than the Studebaker model, but with more luxurious interiors.

Its rarity and status as the most respected Packard baker in recent years has made the Packard Hawk very popular among collectors. He scores about twice the price of a corresponding Studebaker, which is still low compared to the better known brands. Since the mechanics of the Studebaker were used, mechanical spare parts are easier to find than the rare body parts.