Charles Phoenix JOYRIDE - 1961 Studebaker Hawk

FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING ... this was my first time ever driving a 1961 Hawk ... or any other Studebaker for that matter ... and I was VERY IMPRESSED ... solid and sure !!! ... Style-wise and otherwise ... this space age spellbinder is a classy combo of sporty and formal at the same … So sit back and enjoy the JOYRIDE !!! ...

[kickinghorse]

Best car video presentation EVER!!! (in the history of the world car video presentations).

[RBAILEY]

The C/K body Studebaker is 70 years old in 2023, and still looks great! Styling cues such as its trapezoidal rear quarter windows are still seen in modern cars.

[davidhughes]

I really appreciated your Joyride in the Studebaker Hawk as I own a 1957 Golden Hawk, also in black. This has the same bodystyle as the 61 but with the addition of a supercharger which gives it 275 bhp. This is a very rare car in England and not overly common in America I imagine. 61 was the final year for the tailfins, 62 to 64 Hawk GTs had the more smoothed out and squared up lines.

[LyleFrancisDelp]

Charles, like me, you have an "old soul". I love old things and nostalgia. I think I was born in the wrong decade.

[BomBoo-rngj]

The '53 Commander V/8 has it all over any Hawk as far as looks go.
The original 53 Commander V8 started the evolution/bastardization of the Lowie Studio Design.
Dad loved Studebaker, we had three growing up. I learned to drive on a '53 Commander V/8, three on the tree. Dad let me put 3in lowering blocks and spun aluminum lake hub caps and dual glass packs on her. That Loewy Coupe design was way ahead of its time. Our last was a '56 Golden Hawk. Engine Turned aluminum dash with Stewart Warner gauges, matching speedo & tach. A Muscle Car before the Muscle Cars. I was king of the Pack in '58. Ahh the memories. Keep 'em alive. 

[PeBoVision]

My dream car when I was 10 years old
and 20. and 30. and 40. and 50. and 60...
To this day, the Studebaker Hawk (and to a lesser extent the Speedster) are the most exquisitely beautiful American production cars ever to roll off the line.
The Hawk will always be my dream car.

[davidkastin]

Stunning Hawk. One of the best looking American cars ever made 💙

[carltwidle]

I think these Studebakers to be one of the best looking American cars ever made. Stylish car design. I old enough to remember these on the road. The 4 door models were more popular.

[terrym]

Miss Thing your reviews are so over the top 🤗

[carolynstrecha]

Oh my Love!! So Luscious! ❤️ Almost bought one on Kansas close 😞

[RTracing]

I have a 61 hawk with a stick. It is Flamingo Orange, a color used by Studebaker for only one year, 1961, on the Hawk. I have also owned close to 100 Studebakers. I'd have to disagree with your affection for the roof line pointing up. Most all C and K bodied cars had weak rear springs, and thus, over time, the rearward sloping roof line. I do not believe it was ever Raymond Lowey's intention for this body style to have a negative rake. However, it is a very easy issue to correct with a set of air shocks. They are a remarkable improvement in handling as well as an effective method of correcting the C/K tail dragging posture. The dash is really not engine turned although the aluminum sheet is stamped or embossed to look like engine turning. It is a nice touch. It is worth mentioning that the tach on this hawk is a nice option. Especially when they work. Overall, one of the most beautiful cars ever to grace the streets of the US. I wish you had of opened the hood. Regardless, great piece Charles. Glad you enjoyed the Hawk and was able to experience the excellent performance, artistry, and craftsmanship of one of Studebaker's most iconic model cars.only

[c.g.joseph]

Very enjoyable episode, Charles - many of those period California cars are well-preserved and very well cared for. I am also a fan of the Lark models of this year. Your enthusiasm is refreshing. Continue to share and enjoy, as only you can!

[FoxeemaTV]

my dad worked 19 years at the studebaker Canada plant till the end in 1966..thank you ..find more please..

[garylangley]

I bought a 1962 Hawk in 1975 or '76 and enjoyed it for years. The first thing I noticed about this '61 Hawk is that the exhaust sound, and the sound of the solid lifters were exactly the same as mine. "Behold the glory!"

[fitnesswithsteve]

How do you not have more subscribers? You’re hilarious and the cars are great too!

[spiff]

Oh, how I miss the sounds of a V-8. That Hawk brought back so many memories as a kid growing up in the San Fernando Valley hearing a V-8's burble headed down the street.

[christopherkraft]

Thank you Charles for showcasing this gorgeous Studebaker Hawk, a true slice of I Know!!! 👍👍

[cjdesign]

Fantastic Charles! Thanks!!! We drove from Maine to Alabama in a Hawk when my Dad went to Officer Training.

[blumobean]

I am old enough to remember when these were new. Studebaker built some beautiful cars.

[davethorstry]

Had the pleasure of owning five Studs in total, three larks, one Daytona and last a 63 Hawk GT. No greater car, the sound of that v8 is very different and incomparable.