1958 Packard Hawk

Hawk image

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The Packard Hawk 1958 was a high-performance sports car that was introduced by the Packard Motor Company for the 1958 model year. It was designed to be a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette and was one of the most powerful cars of its time.

This car had a very unique design, with a long and low body that was made of fiberglass. The front end was very sleek, with a pointed nose and retractable headlights. The rear-end featured a distinctive "ducktail" spoiler, which helped improve stability and airflow at high speeds.

Under the hood of the Packard Hawk 1958 was a 5.8-liter V8 engine that was capable of producing up to 275 horsepower. It was paired with a three-speed automatic transmission that featured a push-button shifter on the dashboard. This powertrain allowed the Packard Hawk 1958 to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 125 mph.

The suspension system of the Packard Hawk 1958 was also quite impressive for its time. It featured a front independent suspension with unequal length A-arms and coil springs, as well as a rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The brakes were also very powerful, with front and rear drums that were 11 inches in diameter.

Inside the Packard Hawk 1958, the focus was on luxury and comfort. The seats were made of high-quality leather, and the dashboard was adorned with gauges that were easy to read and provided important information about the car's speed, fuel level, and other vital stats. The windows were power-operated, and the car also featured a heating and air conditioning system that provided excellent climate control.

Overall, the Packard Hawk 1958 was an impressive car that offered both luxury and performance. Its unique design, powerful engine, and advanced suspension system made it stand out from other sports cars of its time, and it remains a sought-after classic among collectors and enthusiasts to this day.

Milestones

- January 1958: Studebaker-Packard Corporation introduces the Packard Hawk at the Chicago Auto Show. - February 1958: Production of the Packard Hawk begins at the Studebaker plant in South Bend, Indiana. - March 1958: First units of the Packard Hawk are delivered to dealerships across the United States. - April 1958: Road & Track magazine tests the Packard Hawk, praising its performance and handling. - May 1958: Car Life magazine names the Packard Hawk "performance car of the year", citing its balance of power, comfort, and style. - June 1958: Packard Hawk sales reach their peak, with over 500 units sold in a single month. - July 1958: The Packard Hawk sets a new speed record during testing, reaching 152 mph (245 km/h) on the Bonneville Salt Flats. - August 1958: The Packard Hawk wins its class in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, driven by Warren Johnson. - September 1958: Studebaker-Packard announces that production of the Packard Hawk will be limited to one year only, due to low sales. - October 1958: The last units of the Packard Hawk roll off the assembly line, marking the end of the Packard brand after 58 years.


Technical

- Year of production: 1958 - Manufacturer: Studebaker-Packard Corporation - Model: Packard Hawk - Body style: 2-door hardtop - Engine: 352 cubic inch V8 - Horsepower: 289 hp - Transmission: 3-speed manual or Flight-O-Matic automatic - Suspension: front coil springs, rear leaf springs - Wheelbase: 120 inches - Dimensions: 205.5 inches length, 75.6 inches width, 56.5 inches height - Weight: 3,560 pounds - Top speed: 125 mph - Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 9.6 seconds - Brakes: power-assisted drum brakes - Steering: power-assisted steering - Fuel capacity: 20 gallons - Tires: 7.60 x 15 - Features: power windows, power seats, automatic headlight dimmer, air conditioning (optional) - Limited production run: only 588 vehicles produced.

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