The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its Ron Sturgeon Collection with a 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk, a vehicle that represents the intersection of mid-century American automotive design and contemporary performance enhancements. This addition is significant because it demonstrates how classic cars can be preserved while incorporating modern technology, making them more accessible and enjoyable for today's enthusiasts while maintaining their historical value.
Refurbished in the late 1990s, this Silver Hawk features several tasteful performance upgrades that enhance its driving experience without compromising its original character. The car now includes an Edelbrock carburetor, aftermarket intake manifold, auxiliary electric cooling fan, and PerTronix electronic ignition system. These modifications are important because they show how collectors can improve reliability and performance while respecting the vehicle's heritage, potentially influencing restoration trends across the classic car industry.
For comfort in modern conditions, the vehicle has been equipped with aftermarket air conditioning and a Custom AutoSound radio with contemporary speakers. These additions matter because they address practical concerns that might otherwise deter enthusiasts from regularly driving vintage automobiles, potentially increasing the usability and preservation of classic vehicles. The car retains its original rear-wheel-drive layout and column-shifted three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, preserving the authentic driving experience that collectors value.
The suspension system combines double-action shock absorbers with variable-rate springs at the front and traditional leaf springs at the rear, while braking is handled by drums at each corner. Power-assisted steering provides smoother operation without sacrificing road feel. Inside, vintage elements include a bright horn-ring steering wheel, machine-turned dash panel, and a 120-mph speedometer flanked by auxiliary gauges, with a Sunpro tachometer added below the dash that blends seamlessly with the period styling.
"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. The five-digit odometer reads 42,000 miles and is believed to have rolled over, adding to the vehicle's historical narrative.
On display now, the 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk is part of the museum's rotating exhibit of over 200 vehicles and 3,000 collectibles. The museum continues to introduce new additions throughout the year, offering visitors fresh experiences with each visit. For more information about the museum's collection and hours, visit https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition is important because it highlights how museums can serve as living archives that not only preserve automotive history but also demonstrate how that history can be adapted for contemporary enjoyment. The thoughtful balance between preservation and modernization shown in this Silver Hawk could influence how other collectors approach restoration projects, potentially leading to more classic vehicles being maintained in drivable condition rather than becoming static displays. For the automotive industry, such examples demonstrate the enduring appeal of thoughtful design and the value of maintaining connections to engineering heritage even as technology advances.
