The 1961 Studebaker Hawk is a classic American muscle car that was produced by the Studebaker Corporation between 1960 and 1961. It was designed by famed automotive stylist Raymond Loewy, who also designed the iconic Coca-Cola bottle. The 1961 Studebaker Hawk is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful and innovative cars of its era, and it has become a highly sought-after collectible among car enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the history, design, and legacy of the 1961 Studebaker Hawk.

The Studebaker Corporation was an American automobile manufacturer that was founded in 1852. The company produced a variety of cars, trucks, and military vehicles over the years, and it was one of the largest and most successful automobile manufacturers in the United States in the early 20th century. However, by the 1950s, Studebaker was struggling to compete with the larger and more powerful American car companies, such as General Motors and Ford.

In an effort to revitalize the company and boost sales, Studebaker hired Raymond Loewy to design a new line of cars that would capture the attention of the American public. Loewy was a renowned industrial designer who had already created a number of iconic products, including the Lucky Strike cigarette package and the Greyhound bus.

The result of Loewy’s work was the Studebaker Hawk, which was introduced in 1956 as a two-door coupe. The Hawk was a sleek and stylish car that featured a powerful V8 engine and a unique design that set it apart from other American cars of the time.

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The 1961 Studebaker Hawk was the final model of the Hawk line, and it featured several significant design changes from previous models. The most noticeable change was the removal of the tail fins, which had been a popular design feature of American cars in the 1950s. Instead, the 1961 Hawk had a more streamlined design that emphasized its sleek, sporty appearance.

Another notable design feature of the 1961 Hawk was its “Coke bottle” shape, which was created by the car’s distinctive side profile. The Hawk had a narrow front end that widened dramatically toward the rear, giving it a muscular and dynamic appearance.

Under the hood, the 1961 Hawk featured a powerful 289 cubic inch V8 engine that was capable of producing up to 225 horsepower. The car also had a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, making it a formidable competitor on the drag strip.

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Despite its innovative design and powerful performance, the 1961 Studebaker Hawk was not a commercial success for the Studebaker Corporation. The company was struggling financially, and it was forced to discontinue production of the Hawk line in 1961.

However, the 1961 Studebaker Hawk has since become a highly sought-after collectible among car enthusiasts, and it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and innovative cars of its era. The car’s unique design and powerful performance have made it a favorite among fans of American muscle cars, and it continues to inspire automotive designers and enthusiasts today.

The 1961 Studebaker Hawk is a classic American muscle car that represents the best of mid-century automotive design and engineering. Its sleek and sporty appearance, powerful V8 engine, and innovative design features have made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors

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