Updated Avanti Website

Not sure if everyone knows or not yet, but the Avanti website has finally been updated with their new location in Mexico, with more pics of the Ford version of the Avanti. I'm sorry, but the Avanti looked way better when they were using the Firebird platform. The humps on the hood, the blank/flat trunk lid, and the horid gear shifter, (not to mention the flat looking dash), are just not what I would think of to have with the Avanti. I say use the new Camaro bodies and bring back some class to the Avanti! (+ the LS2 engine!)

Here's the new site:

http://www.avantimotors.com/

~ FireHawk

- 56 PowerHawk
- 01 Firebird TransAm WS6 Convertible

- Ontario Canada!

[StudeRich]

I wonder if the new site was created before or after the owner was locked up in jail for running a Ponzi scheme on Mexican condos?

The new Avanti coupe is apparently a 2 seater or at least has no rear 1/4 window, totally looses the "Avanti" look. [xx(]

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by StudeRich
The new Avanti coupe is apparently a 2 seater or at least has no rear 1/4 window, totally looses the "Avanti" look. [xx(]

This two seater (no quarter window) was at Omaha. I liked it...I thought it was actually better proportioned than the regular one...

[Scott]

I might agree about the shifter, but this is the finest post Studebaker Avanti I've seen. I always hated the Avanti II interior - like some 5 year old coordinated the design. This is miles and miles better.

[wpsrea]

So it is a Mustang with a new suit.

[Scott]

Well, the "old" one was in a Camaro suit.

[wagone]

Hey Dick,
If you should see this, I've heard about the two place STUDEBAKER Avanti but had never seen a picture of it. (Although I'm close to Omaha I didn't get there as my car was up on blocks last fall. Bummer, as I may never have a chance again to get to a national, or international, whatever). What is the two place car; someone's custom car or did it have factory blessings? I like it alot. Anyone have any info on it? How was it done? And how well, or how poorly? What was done to (with) the frame and especially the "X" member part? Thanks.
P.S. I think two place is the way it should have been done originally.

wagone and the old R2 Avanti

[Dick Steinkamp]

quote:Originally posted by wagone
I've heard about the two place STUDEBAKER Avanti but had never seen a picture of it.

First of all, the 2 place Avanti was FLAWLESS. I don't know if it was judged, but I'm not sure a judge could find anything wrong with it anywhere (BTW, I'm a little prejudice because that color combination is my favorite Avanti combo [8D]).

I met the owner. Very pleasant guy. He brought the car in an enclosed trailer. I am terrible about names however. I think Dave Lester introduced me to him (Dave knows everybody ).

I believe the car is based on sketches from the original designer, but not a factory car in any way.

[lstude]

quote:I believe the car is based on sketches from the original designer, but not a factory car in any way.

Here is the sketch. I think it was done by Bob Andrews, but I am not sure.




Leonard Shepherd, editor, The Commanding Leader, Central Virginia Chapter, http://centralvirginiachapter.org/

[StudeRich]

Yes Dick this Studebaker Avanti 2 seater is cute and well done, [^]kinda reminds one of the AMX where the factory did exactly the same thing to a AMC Javelin! BUT...there is NO comparison from this custom to the "new" 2007 Avanti coupe! [xx(]

StudeRich
Studebakers Northwest
Ferndale, WA

[JBOYLE]

I saw the two seater in a back issue of the Avanti magazine listed for sale. As I recall, they were asking $40,000. Not a bad price for a custom.

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[FireHawk]

quote:Originally posted by Scott

Well, the "old" one was in a Camaro suit.

Actually it was the Firebird, but close enough =P (interiors varied between the Camaro and the Firebird).


~ FireHawk

- 56 PowerHawk
- 01 Firebird TransAm WS6 Convertible

- Ontario Canada!

[railway]

Kellogg had a lot to do with it. and it was Co-best of class, at Omaha.
Ebon...

[wcarroll@outrageous.net]

A few years back a two seater Avanti was up on Ebay. Thought it had an R2 or R3 factory engine -or am I just crazy?? Pretty sure it was the same color -light blue.

[sbca96]

Other then what you mentioned, I need to add that I think offering a V6 option
in the Avanti is awful. Lets put a V6 in the Vette too![xx(]

Repost from AOAI :

Interesting how they state its got 18 inch wheels, but the 03/04 Cobra wheels
they are using are 17 inch. The company that I told them to get the knockoffs
from "AFS Wheels" makes the 18 inch version. The Ford factory ones were only
17 x 9, not 18 x 9. They where only made for 03/04. Sounds like even MORE
proof that they used the info from my email!! Also, the last Avanti Magazine
with the feature on the new Avanti clearly showed the rims the donor Mustang
comes with, and they are NOT the wheels shown below. I should contact AFS,
have a chat with Samantha & see if they are getting orders from Mexico?

Heres coupe shot, which clearly shows its still a 4 seater :



Another of just the interior :



Oh yah ... and MY Avanti for comparison .....



From a Mustang site (answering the question "why"/"what") :

Well ... this Avanti is basically a 3rd Gen .. maybe a 4th Gen, but the 1st Gen
they made from 1963 to 1983. First body change was in 1984 when they put
5 mph bumpers on it, and molded in "the bookshelf" as I called it - ick. Then
Avanti "died" in 1989 after receiving a Monte Carlo frame. It was resurrected
in the mid 90s and built off a 4th Gen Firebird. Quite wide, & out of proportion
not many sold - even though it was the best all around performing Avanti that
was made to that date. That one "died" in ~2002 with the Camaro, and Avanti
moved to Mexico, taking the 2005 Mustang and rebodying it.

1963 :



1964 (got square headlights):



1965-1983 (front end raised 2 inches, filler added to wheel opening) :



1984-1989 (got the bookshelf front bumper) :



2000-2002(4) (rebodied Firebird/Camaro - wide body Avanti sold till 2004) :




1984 with 2004 :
EDIT for size



Large 2004 :
EDIT for size


Tom

'63 Avanti, zinc plated drilled & slotted 03 Mustang Cobra 13" front disc/98 GT rear brakes, 03 Cobra 17" wheels, GM alt, 97 Z28 leather seats, soon: 97 Z28 T-56 6-spd, Ported heads w/SST full flow valves, 'R3' 276 cam, Edelbrock AFB Carb, GM HEI distributor, 8.8mm plug wires