1963 Halibrand versus 1964 style Halibrand. Which do yo prefer?

[Nelson]

I’m not sure how many Avanti owners realize that a different Halibrand style wheel was originally offered for the 63 model run. These wheels appeared on the 63 Super Lark at the NY auto show and probably the other major auto shows. They are also on the 63 R2 Super Hawk road test in, I believe, Motor Trend magazine. How many would be interested in a set of these in reproduction form??

The wheels are shown here on my “survivor” R2 Super Hawk at the Studebaker National Museum. By the way, this Hawk is 100% original including the super red paint. Super red was only available “if” you ordered the high performance package so it s very rare. This particular GT Hawk is probably the best totally original of its kind in existence.

Edited December 22, 2024 by Nelson

[psdenno]

If what you refer to as the '64 Halibrand wheel is the style currently available in reproduction, I prefer it to the "Kidney Bean" Halibrand wheels shown on the Hawk.

[Dwight FitzSimons]

Preference is only part of the equation.  If I had a '63 Daytona HT (as I would like to have) I would put the '63-style mag wheels on it.  And, I would buy a set.

--Dwight

Edited December 22, 2024 by Dwight FitzSimons

[mfg]

Beautiful Super Hawk!…. If the set of  Halibrand wheels on your ‘64 Daytona HRM car are the “second” type… I think I prefer the look of those to the look of the “ first “ style Halibrands on your ‘63 Hawk.

[Nelson]

Dwight. That’s about how I feel. I see the 64 type on 63 Studes and they just don’t look right. The 63 type are really different than the 64. I like them both but once I knew the correct application then each has its proper spot so to speak.

[Nelson]

16 minutes ago, mfg said:

Beautiful Super Hawk!…. If the set of  Halibrand wheels on your ‘64 Daytona HRM car are the “second” type… I think I prefer the look of those to the look of the “ first “ style Halibrands on your ‘63 Hawk.

They are the second type.

[mfg]

28 minutes ago, Nelson said:

They are the second type.

I get originality.. it’s important to identify what’s correct and what isn’t… Having said that, it’s sure hard to beat the ‘look’ of Dayton wire wheels on a Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk!!

[psdenno]

There's a brief discussion on the wheels on the SDC forum:

https://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/forum/your-studebaker-forum/general-studebaker-specific-discussion/29343-halibrands-dealer-option/page2?28618-Halibrands-Dealer-Option=&highlight=halibrand