By Lou Cataldo
The definition of what constitutes a “pony car” is somewhat fuzzy, and every car enthusiast could give you a slightly different explanation of what the term means to them. However, several core characteristics are essential for a vehicle to be given this label. Among them are compact dimensions, a stylish design that balances form and function, and a sporty character that’s oriented towards performance. The pony car can, in many ways, be considered the muscle car segment's little sister, though there's significant overlap between the two (again, it’s not an exact science).
The origins of the pony car are frequently attributed to the Ford Mustang, whose equine logo is said to have contributed to the creation of the term. However, looking back at American automotive history, there is a little-known vehicle that may also be a candidate for the throne of first pony car: the Studebaker Golden Hawk. It's a rare product from the now-defunct automaker's Hawk model family. Let’s take a closer look at this hidden gem, its close relatives, and the Studebaker brand.
The Studebaker Golden Hawk: An Overview
| Studebaker Golden Hawk Specs | |
| Engine | 5.8-liter V8 / 4.7-liter supercharged V8 |
| Horsepower | 275 hp |
| Years Produced | 1956-1958 |
The Golden Hawk was a luxury hardtop car produced for only three years, from 1956 to 1958, as part of Studebaker’s “Hawk” line. The model family also included the Flight Hawk, Power Hawk, Sky Hawk, Silver Hawk, and the Studebaker-Packard Hawk.
The design of the Golden Hawk was heavily influenced by aviation, in line with the predominant aesthetic trends of the early Jet Age. Optimism about science and technology prevailed, and this feeling was reflected in the way cars looked. It had sleek lines and tail fins that evoked a fighter jet.
In the Hawk’s case, a major source of inspiration was the North American F-86 Sabre, a jet fighter used extensively during the Korean War. The interior was similarly high-end: the Golden Hawk was fitted with a center console, which was still relatively rare at the time, vinyl or leather upholstery, and a padded dashboard, among other features.
The Hawk clearly met the "style" part of the pony car recipe. What about the "performance" part?" Here, the Golden Hawk also excelled, thanks to the two engines that powered it over the course of its brief production run. The first was a Packard-sourced 352-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) naturally aspirated V8, which produced 275 hp. The level of power, combined with the car’s low weight, resulted in excellent performance for the era, foreshadowing the golden age of muscle and pony cars in the 1960s.
The second engine arrived a year after the model’s debut in 1957, when the Packard unit ceased to be available. This engine was built in-house by Studebaker: a 289-cubic-inch (4.7-liter) unit fitted with a supercharger, also producing 275 hp. Power went to the rear wheels via one of two transmissions: a three-speed manual or a two-speed automatic.
Design Updates And The End Of The Golden Hawk
Despite being on the market for only three years, the Golden Hawk underwent several updates throughout its production run. Aside from getting a new engine, it also received several design changes, such as metal tailfins outlined in chrome trim and a new fiberglass hood overlay, both introduced in 1957. A new high-end trim called the 400 also joined the lineup in 1957, with leather upholstery as standard and an upholstered trunk among other features. Just 41 units of this variant were produced.
Studebaker made more changes for the 1958 Golden Hawk, the model's last year on the market. A new Hawk medallion was on the grille, and the roof and tailfins were finished in contrasting colors to the rest of the bodywork. The company switched out the standard 15-inch wheels to 14-inch ones, slightly lowering the ride height. The larger pieces remained available as an option.
The Golden Hawk, like several other high-end models of the era, was affected by changing economic conditions at the tail end of the 1950s. Just under 10,000 units were produced in total. However, only 878 of these cars were sold in the model’s last year, 1958. The rest of the Hawk lineup had been discontinued by this point as well, except for the Silver Hawk, which remained on the market for a few more years before the discontinuation in 1961.
Sources: Studebaker
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This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.
