The DFW Car & Toy Museum has expanded its Ron Sturgeon Collection with the acquisition of a 1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk, a vehicle that represents a significant chapter in American automotive history while demonstrating how thoughtful modifications can enhance classic cars for contemporary use. This addition reinforces the museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating automotive heritage through vehicles that are both historically important and practically enjoyable.
Refurbished in the late 1990s, this Silver Hawk maintains its original aesthetic appeal while incorporating several performance and comfort upgrades. The engine features an Edelbrock carburetor, aftermarket intake manifold, auxiliary electric cooling fan, and PerTronix electronic ignition system, all designed to improve reliability and drivability without compromising the car's vintage character. Additional modern conveniences include aftermarket air conditioning and a Custom AutoSound radio with contemporary speakers, making the vehicle suitable for today's cruising expectations while retaining its mid-century charm.
The car preserves its original mechanical configuration with a rear-wheel-drive layout and column-shifted three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, offering enthusiasts an authentic driving experience. Suspension components include double-action shock absorbers with variable-rate springs at the front and traditional leaf springs at the rear, while braking is handled by drums on all four wheels. Power-assisted steering has been added to improve handling without diminishing road feedback, creating a balance between vintage authenticity and modern comfort.
Inside the cabin, the vehicle maintains its period-specific design elements including a bright horn-ring steering wheel, machine-turned dash panel, and a 120-mph speedometer accompanied by auxiliary gauges. A Sunpro tachometer has been discreetly installed below the dashboard, complementing the original instrumentation. The five-digit odometer shows 42,000 miles, which is believed to have rolled over at least once, indicating the car has been driven and enjoyed rather than simply stored as a static display piece.
Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, described the vehicle as representing "the best of both worlds—classic Americana with thoughtful upgrades that make it a joy to drive and admire." This perspective reflects a growing trend in classic car preservation where vehicles are modified to be more usable while maintaining their historical significance, potentially influencing how museums and collectors approach automotive conservation.
The Silver Hawk is now part of the museum's rotating exhibit of over 200 vehicles and 3,000 collectibles, which continues to introduce new additions throughout the year. The museum's relocation to a 150,000-square-foot facility at 2550 McMillan Parkway in North Fort Worth has expanded its capacity to showcase automotive history while offering free admission and parking. Visitors can find current information about exhibits and hours on the museum's website at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
This acquisition matters because it demonstrates how museums can bridge historical preservation with contemporary relevance, making automotive heritage accessible and engaging for diverse audiences. The Silver Hawk's combination of original design and thoughtful upgrades serves as a model for how classic vehicles can be maintained as functional artifacts rather than static displays, potentially influencing preservation practices across the collector car community. For enthusiasts, it offers inspiration for how to enjoy vintage automobiles while incorporating modern reliability and comfort features.
