Thomas “Kid” Hawkins – Car Enthusiast , Boxer, and Aviator

Thanks to research by reader Tin Indian we now know more “Kid” Hawkins, who was featured here earlier this week with his Locomobile roadster. Today he is pictured in the lead photo with a late-1920s or 1930 Stutz or “Black Hawk” that has been converted into a roadster with a new rear section.

Thomas “Kid” Hawkins was originally from Washington, NC apparently, and also known as “Ace” Hawkins. The photo and article below from “The Afro American” Dec. 15, 1934 issue pictures Hawkins and the airplane he announced he was to fly nonstop across the Atlantic in 1934, it also includes his background information.

 Thomas “Kid” Hawkins and his “Black Hawk” airplane.

“Seeks Thirty-Thousand Dollar Prize – Thomas “Kid” Hawkins, colorful New Yorker, who is a former resident of Washington N.C. has made known plans to compete this spring for the $30,000 prize which is offered to the first colored pilot who successfully spans the Atlantic Ocean on a non-stop flight.

The plane, a special-built cabin model, has been christened “Black Hawk,” and is at the Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn, N.Y.

The airman is a former heavy-weight boxer. For several years, he conducted an athletic club. At present, he owns and operates a storage garage and transfer company. He plans to fly to his hometown for Christmas.”

Hawkins and a mid-1920s Stutz touring car.

The Old Motor | The Stutz images in this post are from the Smith Hempstone Oliver Collection courtesy of The Revs Institute Research Library.