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This is far more than a revision and retooling of Danbury’s 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk. Kudos to the boys and girls of DM for coming up with an innovative way to amortize initial tooling dollars while satisfying our sweet teeth for new and different images. This was a hot little number, even for the fantastic fifties. A factory hot rod, of sorts, the little two-door coupe exuded a blend of Studebaker styling and the tradition of Packard elegance. Perhaps a muscle car ahead of its time and definition, the Hawk received a 289 cubic inch V-8 that pumped out a whopping 275 horsepower due, in part, to the application of a supercharger. The car also featured “twin traction”, a form of posi-traction rear axle that directed power to both drive wheels.
Painted Waterfall Blue over a deeply gorgeous Mountain Blue Iridescent, the model is simply striking in person. Appearing to have a freshly waxed clear coat finish a foot deep, the colors are very complimentary of each other and contrast well against the accent of the gold anodized tailfin inserts and the delicate doeskin-toned interior. One of the nicer aspects of the replica, the interior is well appointed and perfectly finished. The gauges show up remarkably well despite their diminutive size. The carpet is soft and found lining the bottom of the door panels. The interior roof is detailed with a dome light, over the driver’s shoulder, headliner ribs and sun visors simulated in their up positions. The trunk is apportioned well with the proper mats and spare cover. A jack and tire tool are readily seen.
The engine bay is yet another DM work of art. Fascinating miniaturized labels cover the blower and air cleaner assembly and valve covers. Hoses, lines and belts are treated to fine detailing as well. I think my favorite detailing on this diecast comes in the way of photoetch and metal mesh usage. If you can look past the “catfish-mouth” grille, or rather into it, you will see a blackened metal meshed grille insert. A bright photoetch piece adorns the mock hood scope inlet. But the photoetched emblems and insignias are the crowning touch. “Packard” is spelled out on the front edge of the car along with a golden emblem circled by a polished ring. The fins sport smaller, well-defined “Packard” script and the aforementioned golden symbol. The trunk shows off with a small symbol, “Packard” script and “TT” badging, signifying the Twin Traction option. The 1:1 car had a fiberglass hood and fiberglass spare tire bulge on the trunk lid. Interestingly, due to cost constraints on the part of the builders, the trunk deck was resurrected from the 1953 Studebaker Starlight Coupe but after the addition of the fiberglass bulge it became affectionately known as a “toilet seat”.
This is a lovely model and it depicts a little lesser known corner of the automotive fifties era. There were only 588 of these little gems produced and thank goodness DM gave us a chance to own one of the rarest cars of that era. On the old drool meter index, I have to rate this a 5 out of 5!
The issue price is $115.
(05/07/2004)
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