This 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk is a rare and striking American classic that has been comprehensively restored and is presented in near-perfect condition throughout. It is powered by a 352 cubic inch (5.8-litre) Packard V8 engine, rebuilt at a cost of $15,000, and mated to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic transmission. The odometer currently reads 55,486 miles, listed as TMU.

The Golden Hawk holds a unique place in American automotive history. Introduced for the 1956 model year, it was Studebaker's flagship performance car, distinguished from its siblings by the fitment of Packard's imposing 352 cubic inch V8, an engine found in no other Studebaker model. The combination of Raymond Loewy's elegant styling and genuine V8 performance made the Golden Hawk one of the most desirable American cars of its era. Production numbers were modest, and attrition over the decades has rendered truly roadworthy examples exceptionally scarce, with fewer than 200 believed to remain in running condition worldwide. In Australia, they are rarer still, with this believed to be one of only two 1956 Golden Hawks in the country.

This car is finished in a two-tone blue and white colour scheme that suits its period styling beautifully. The interior is trimmed in blue and white pleated vinyl upholstery with a matching blue dashboard and door cards, complemented by a period two-spoke steering wheel with chrome spokes and a gold Studebaker centre emblem. The car has been upgraded with electronic ignition and a functioning air conditioning system. The original period radio is present but currently non-operational, as is the clock. The tachometer requires reconnection following the electronic ignition conversion. The car rides on a set of period-style steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and white wall tyres.

Imported from the United States, this Golden Hawk was restored prior to the current owner's acquisition and has been in single ownership for 24 years. During that time, a comprehensive engine rebuild was undertaken at a cost of $15,000, with the original manual transmission converted to a Turbo-Hydramatic 400 automatic unit at the same time. Electronic ignition and air conditioning were also installed during this work. No evidence of accident damage was found during the restoration. The car has been regularly serviced at Carldon Mechanics in Kirrawee, with the most recent service completed approximately eight months ago. Approximately 1,500km have been covered since the engine rebuild. A collection of restoration receipts is available with the car.

The two-tone paintwork presents in near-perfect condition with no notable chips, scratches, or panel damage identified. Chrome detailing on the bumpers, grille, and trim presents in good order. All four steel wheels appear without damage. The blue and white vinyl upholstery inside the cabin presents in near-perfect condition with no scuffs, tears, or notable wear. Carpets are in good order and the dashboard and instrumentation present cleanly, noting the non-operational radio, clock, and tachometer as described. A collection of spare parts is included with the sale, comprising spare bumpers, a bonnet, and the original manual gearbox.

This Studebaker Golden Hawk will be supplied with the Studebaker owner's manual, spare keys, a current pink slip, restoration receipts, and the accompanying spare parts package.

As per Trading Garage Terms and Conditions, although Trading Garage has completed the following checks bidders must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of the description and do any research they feel necessary before bidding. All listings are sold in Australian dollars. This vehicle is registered in NSW under historic registration. There are no security interests registered on the PPSR against the serial number and it is not recorded as written off or stolen.