Avanti Introduction
The 1963 Avanti was the last ditch effort of Sherwood Egbert (his real name) to rescue the faltering Studebaker. Once again, the company turned to its ace in the hole, stylist Raymond Loewy, to conceive a car that would miraculously turn things around. He rented a house in Palm Springs and there with three young designers and with missionary zeal embarked on creating something new and revolutionary. The result -- the Avanti, got attention but didn't save the company. Studebaker was gone three years later.
Avanti History 1965-1991
With the Studebaker company's demise in December 1963, the Avanti seemed destined to become another footnote in classic car history. But Nate Altman, an Indiana Studebaker Dealer, knew there was still a great deal of interest in the car. Determined on keeping the Avanti alive, Altman approached every major automobile manufacturer in the America, with no takers. Even American Motors Corporation, who seemed like a good choice, was not interested the car.
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Restoration of First Avanti Ever Produced
This 1961 Avanti is the very first one ever made (#1001) and is now the subject of a much needed restoration. The whacky metallic flake green vehicle, still containing it’s original engine and seats, was donated along with another one to the LeMay Car Museum in 2001, both in very poor condition. It’s restoration back to it’s original glory started in 2011 and is currently well on it’s way to completion. Get up to date on it’s story on the following page and then follow it’s progress in the link provided after. You don’t have to be an avid Avanti enthusiast to appreciate this one’s success story…
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