Over the the past 58 years of Avanti ownership I have endured all manner of negative/divisive comments concerning the "paltry" power of my engine, I just smiled laughed and knew the power was not what Avantis were all about. Recently I was reading some old car magazines that I had collected since the early 1960's. One issue covered the 1962 Ferrari 2+2 V-12 coupe. Zero to sixty was claimed to be eight seconds with the stated BHP of 240............same as the R-1 Studebaker!! All I can say is thanks to Gene Hardig for what he accomplished:-)
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The Ferrai horses must have been Shetlands, because it weighs 600 pounds less than the the Avanti.
jack vinesPackardV8 -
yes, 240 hp @7000 rpm. all from a 3 liter (180 cu in) engine.78 Avanti RQB 2792
64 Avanti R1 R5408
63 Avanti R1 R4551
63 Avanti R1 R2281
62 GT Hawk V15949
56 GH 6032504
56 GH 6032588
55 Speedster 7160047
55 Speedster 7165279Comment
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My preferred configuration for an Avanti is R1, AT, PS, PW, quiet mufflers. I am more of a handling fan than acceleration fan and these cars can handle with the right tires and larger anti-roll bars. Besides, an R1 will beat an R2 up to 35-40 MPH (depending on diff. ratio).
--DwightComment
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Agree, Dwight, other than the PW. More owners have had more grief from Avanti PW than any single other option. The glass is just too large and heavy and/or the motor and door internals are too weak.Originally posted by Dwight FitzSimons View Post
jack vines
PackardV8Comment
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I know. My brother & I both drove '64 Avantis with PWs in the sixties & later, and we both had problems with them frequently.
I do have a pair of '70 Avanti doors with Avanti Motor's reinforcements of the inner door panel. Their reinforcement looks substantial.
I would use NuRelics' power windows if I could use Studebaker's switches.
The new-manufacture PW motors are supposed to be better than the originals.
--Dwight
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I have owned six Avantis, all but a '67 had crank windows, never missed the power!!Comment
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My Avanti was originally equipped with power windows from the factory, but when the car was rebuilt/rebodied in the 1970s, it ended up with crank windows. I've thought about converting back to power windows so it is more correct to the original build, but I'm also thinking, the crank windows work fine. Why go through all the trouble if they end up causing more problems.Mark LComment
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I always thought it was a bit funny, that people used to drool over a Lark or Hawk with R1, and they had the badges, but an R1 Avanti, people yawn over, and no engine ID emblems on the car. On an Avanti, my eye is always drawn right to the front fender. Wish they'd have put some kind of emblem there on R1 cars.Bill Pressler
Kent, OH
(formerly Greenville, PA)
Formerly owned:
1966 Cruiser, Timberline Turquoise, 27K miles, now in FL
1963 Lark Daytona Skytop R1, Ermine White, now in Australia
1964 Daytona Hardtop, Strato Blue, now in Australia
1966 Daytona Sports Sedan, Niagara Blue Mist, now in Australia
Gave up Studes for a new C8 CorvetteComment
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Total agreement:-)Comment
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Look at Richard Poe, his R-1 does amazing things at the race track!Comment
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This 1963 Lark/Hawk badge would add some interest to the front fender of an R1 Avanti, '63 or '64. I would put it exactly where Studebaker put the "Avanti Supercharged" emblem on '64 Avantis.
--Dwight
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I use the Nu relics Ford switches with their kits, look very close to stock except the toggle is chrome instead of ivory. For the Ford Guys switches 2 window kit for door placementBez Auto Alchemy
573-318-8948
http://bezautoalchemy.com
"Don't believe every internet quote" Abe LincolnComment
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