The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its Ron Sturgeon Collection with a 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk, a coupe that blends mid-century flair with modern performance upgrades. Refurbished in the late 1990s, this vehicle stands as a tribute to one of Studebaker's most distinctive creations, featuring enhancements that make it both a showpiece and a drivable classic.
Under the hood, the Silver Hawk benefits from an Edelbrock carburetor, aftermarket intake manifold, auxiliary electric cooling fan, and PerTronix electronic ignition. Aftermarket air conditioning and a Custom AutoSound radio with modern speakers add comfort for cruising. The car retains its original rear-wheel-drive layout and column-shifted three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, offering a hands-on driving experience. Suspension includes double-action shock absorbers with variable-rate springs up front and leaf springs at the rear, while braking is handled by drums at each corner. Power-assisted steering provides smoother handling.
Inside, the vintage charm continues with a bright horn-ring steering wheel, machine-turned dash panel, and a 120-mph speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges. A Sunpro tachometer was added below the dash, blending seamlessly with the period styling. The five-digit odometer reads 42,000 miles and is believed to have rolled over.
“This Silver Hawk is the best of both worlds—classic Americana with thoughtful upgrades that make it a joy to drive and admire,” said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. “It’s one of those cars that turns heads for its style, then impresses with its substance.”
The 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk is now on display as part of the museum's rotating exhibit of over 200 vehicles and 3,000 collectibles. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, offers free admission and parking, and is dog-friendly. Visitors can explore the collection Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com. The museum's original site, DFW Elite Toy Museum, remains a resource for toy and car enthusiasts worldwide.
This addition underscores the museum's mission to celebrate bold American design and provide visitors with fresh exhibits throughout the year. The Silver Hawk's combination of classic styling and modern upgrades exemplifies the enduring appeal of mid-century automobiles and the craftsmanship that keeps them on the road.
