Wheels Galleries

Jim Nettleton's 1963 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk shimmers in Arabian Gold paint, highlighted by plenty of bright trim. The classic Hawk design was originally styled by legendary Raymond Loewy for the 1953 Studebaker model line.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Jim Nettleton

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The European styling of the front end evokes images of a Mercedes influence. In fact, Studebaker served as the U.S. dealership network for Mercedes-Benz automobiles for several years.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Ventilation is supplied via a pair of cowl vents accented by another set of Hawk emblems.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Styling cues continued to the rear of the '63 GT Hawk, where a full polished "grille'" graces the decklid.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The Gran Turismo badging along the belt line identifies this as a special Hawk on the prowl.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Power is supplied by a basically stock Studebaker 289 V-8. The alternator was factory installed, but carburetion has been upgraded with an Edelbrock 4-barrel unit.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Another view of the dash layout reveals the advent of padding atop the panel, for safety's sake.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Three passengers would fit in the rear seat, although with the center armrest folded down, it would be a perfect fit for two occupants.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Full instrumentation, including a tachometer and a 120 mph speedometer, give the driver on-the-road feedback.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Wood-grained paneling, combined with bright chrome bezels gives the instrument setup a decidedly racy feel. The 3-speed automatic transmission is controlled by means of a conventional column shifter.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The radio mounting panel and the glovebox are faced in perforated metal, with both a Hawk and Grand Turismo emblem added for visual interest.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The old bias-ply tires have given way to more streetable 15-inch radials with thin whitewalls; hubcaps are original factory Studebaker.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

The old-style seat belt buckles are engraved with golden Studebaker emblems, another small, but telling, detail.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Elegant but simple, the GT Hawk's interior features beautifully upholstered bucket seats with a center armrest console. Door panels are trimmed in perforated metal, vinyl uppers with matching carpeted lower sections.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle

Seat pockets and ash trays are fitted to the rear of each of the bucket seats.

Link to image | Buy this photo

Mike Berry / The Wichita Eagle