1961 Studebaker

Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Manual

61V21903

Gasoline

This is a truly rare optioned 61 finned hawk, last of the finned breed. This one came with a special ordered bench seat. 61 was the first hawk to offer bucket seats. The dog legged shifter is a must to clear the bench seat. I was not aware that tachs and vacuum guages were available, but this one was ordered with them as well as a signal search radio (not in the car now). Amazingly, the clock works! This car was last registered in 1966! It was a project car that sat dormant for many years with a 65 GTO tripower engine sitting in the bay, but not connected. I purchased the car from the widow of the well intentioned project owner and have had it since 2004, but have only gradually brought the car to its studebaker originality. The 289 4 speed runs very strong, holds great oil pressure and have not had any overheating experience with it. The body was sound, especially for a MI car, the trunk solid as well as the floors. There was some rust repair on the floor behind the drivers seating position, not a usual location for rust. The original ,and present color is called autumn haze, with a beige stripe on the fins. Very straight body and nice but not perfect chrome. The bumpers are replated, and the glass is excellent and original. Headliner, door trim pads and dash overlay is very nice original. The mileage is in the 65K range, and could well be correct, given the condition of the glass and the pedals and other clues. This is a driver not a trailer queen; it is nice but not perfect. Drips a bit of oil, leaks some water when washing but it is an old stude, thats what they do. If you have looked at the paictures, you have undoubteded noticed the wire wheels and the cadillac exhaust tips as well as the nonstock front turn indicator lights. Just my preferences, but if you're not a studebaker oriented person you may not have known. The wheels are Mclean Wires. The new exhaust is throaty, but right for a 4 speed finned hawk. I can be reached via email at wirewheelman@hotmail.com. I have a low reserve, but don't ask how much. This is the first of my hawks to go, 61,62 63 64.On Jul-06-11 at 00:46:19 PDT, seller added the following information: I forgot to mention, this car was ordered with a twin traction 3:31 rearend and 4 bbl. It now has an edelbrock 4 bbl. carburetor