The stunning styling of the Studebaker Golden Hawk has always needed a bit more horsepower than the original engines could provide. Sure, he supercharged versions were fun, ut this 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk hardtop now features a stout small block Chevy V8 and all the modern conveniences, ithout losing its stunning good looks. That's a win-win if you ask us!The Golden Hawk must have been something when it hit the streets in the early 1950s. Where everything else was conservative and staid, he Stude was sleek, ow, nd beautifully proportioned. It wasn't a sports car, f course, ut an early grand touring coupe, aking it perfect for a makeover. This one shows excellent bodywork wrapped in a lovely pearl white paint job that's both flashy and sophisticated, erfect for the Hawk's shape. Fit and finish are good all around, nd despite a few signs of use and age, t still cuts a dashing profile and draws attention wherever it goes. Chrome and stainless trim is a big part of any '50s car's appeal, nd this Studebaker is no exception, ffering lots of the bright stuff to really make the details stand out. The grille was similar to other Studebaker products, he subtle hood scoop added a sporty attitude, nd the cool little parking lights atop the front fenders are just plain awesome. Then there's the little kick-up behind the doors, he perfect transition into the modest tail fins, nd it's finished with "Golden Hawk" script on the trunk lid, ust in case you didn't know what it was.The handsome interior has been thoroughly updated, iving it a clean, odern look without losing the spirit of the original design. Bucket seats flank a custom center console, nd the original dash has been extensively reworked. A tilt column with a beautiful wood-rimmed steering wheel is elegant and comfortable and the original gauges are replaced with white-faced VDO dials. Amenities like an under-dash A/C unit, up holders, nd a great-sounding AM/FM/CD/iPod stereo are all part of the package. The A/C blows cold, o this is the kind of car you can take on a long-distance haul with ease, nd everything inside the car is nicely finished and showing only minimal wear, o it's sure to get its share of complements at shows. The rear seat appears to be original and is strictly for two passengers, nd the trunk is definitely big enough for all your gear on a road trip.A reliable 350 cubic inch Chevrolet V8 replaces the original 289, nd it likely makes roughly twice the horsepower as the factory mill. It's a clean installation, ith much of the wiring tucked neatly out of sight and a lot of color-matched components. There are also some polished aluminum details and upgrades like power steering and power front disc brakes make it feel quite contemporary on the road. The front suspension is a modern Mustang II setup with rack-and-pinion steering, hile the TH350 3-speed automatic transmission feeds that might be the stock Studebaker rear end that still hangs on original leaf springs. A muted dual exhaust gives the clean coupe just the right sound and it sits easily on those polished Billet Specialties aluminum wheels with 215/65/15 blackwall radials. Studebakers aren't for everyone, ut it's easy to fall for a car that looks this good and runs this well. Maybe go off the beaten track for a while and see what Studebaker's best effort can do. Call today!