2008 42c Fins and Chrome: 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk

U.S. #4354
Fins and Chrome
1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk
America on the Move Series

Issue Date: October 3, 2008
City: Carlisle, PA

Combining the convenience of a family sedan with the sleek look of a sports car, the 1957 Studebaker Golden Hawk offered seating for five and enough speed to satisfy the most avid thrill seekers.

As one of the last of the small independents, Studebaker competed with the big three automakers by offering extreme designs.  Raymond Loewy Associates were engaged to produce the revolutionary designs that made Studebaker famous.

Drawing from his groundbreaking Starliner Coupe design, Bob Bourke’s new 1957 Golden Hawk featured a bold grille, and a hood scoop that made room for the car’s powerful new supercharged engine.  One of the fastest automobiles on the road, the Hawk could go from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, and achieve speeds of 125 mph or more.  In addition, the ‘57 Golden Hawk featured new space-age inspired tail fins that slanted away from the car.  Concave and trimmed with chrome, the fins were usually painted a contrasting color.