American Cars of 1958

[Monksdream]

softballdaddy supplied an image of a 1958 Studebaker Golden Hawk. It was both luxurious and powerful. The 4.7L V-8, with supercharger, could produce 275 brake horse power (bph). The large engine necessitated the raised portion in the hood. Car critics considered the car "front heavy." Professional racers, however, didn't experience handling problems. This model was actually a precursor to the Muscle Car era of the early 1970s. It was capable of out running the Corvette in a 0-to-60 race. Top speed was 125mph, not bad for a production model during that period.



The chief designer was the famous French born American industrial designer Raymond Loewy. He was noted for his streamlining approach to ordinary consumer products, including mechanical pencil sharpeners.



Loewy was also the designer of the one of a kind Avanti, produced in 1963, the last year of the Studebaker Corporation's existence.



Studebaker continued the Hawk series until its demise in 1963-64. It culminated in the Loewy inspired Grand Turismo. Even today, in my opinion, the overall silhouette, sleek, yet imposing, with the European style grill, low to the ground look, exudes a quiet elegance that would still make it a head turner.