Lot details

Year: 1958
Make: Packard
Model: Hawk Fixedhead Coupe
Registration: JSL 168
Chassis No: 58LS1213
Odometer: 77,612

• An unrestored usable car
• In a private collection for over 40 years

The 1958 Packard Hawk was Studebaker-Packard's flagship and the final production Packard. The marque went out with a bang, with its supercharged 289 cubic-inch V8 produced 275bhp, giving effortless performance and a top speed of approximately 130mph. Mechanically identical to the Studebaker Golden Hawk, it offered considerable performance for its time. Its unconventional Packard inspired styling made it the most controversial Hawk. Only 588 buyers paid more than $4,000 during America's 1958 recession, making it more expensive than a contemporary Corvette. Following the 1954 merger, both Packard and Studebaker struggled financially against the Big Three and their aggressive price wars. Essentially a modified Golden Hawk, the Packard featured leather upholstery, a prominent grille, painted headlamp surrounds, twin-bullet front bumper and sloping fibreglass bonnet with a raised imitation air scoop. Further details included exterior vinyl window-sill armrests, chrome-plated rear-light housings, gold coloured Mylar fin inserts and an earlier-style boot lid with a simulated spare wheel cover.

This example is an unrestored, usable car in appealing 'oily rag' condition. It has some typical honest rust where Hawks normally rust, but the body and chassis are solid. Its original Virginia Studebaker-Packard dealer retained it in his collection for over 40 years, from 1958 until 2000. It was then purchased and privately imported into the UK by an American owner. Originally finished in Canyon Copper with a Parchment White roof, it was repainted black during the 1970s. Areas of original copper paint remain visible where the later finish has deteriorated. Recent maintenance was completed by a Studebaker specialist. Work included fitting five period-correct Coker steel belted whitewall tyres, new brake master and slave cylinders, flexible hoses, front linings, four shock absorbers, door and boot rubbers, and changing all fluids. The window mechanisms were lubricated, while the supercharger was cleaned and serviced. Headers feed a stainless-steel dual exhaust system. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a substantial history folder, this exceptionally rare Packard Hawk may be enjoyed as it stands or restored. Consigned by John Tomlin