Avanti II, a "factory built REPLICA"?

[ken-renda]

Has anyone ever wondered why AACA lists Avanti II as a factory built replica? Maybe that explains why some think of my 89, which is not even an Avanti II, as a kit car. Having no understanding of AACA thinking, it would seem that, at least Dodge and Jeep, would be in the same category. I tried to email AACA but failed. Ken

[StudeRich]

Later Avantis and Avanti II's are just continuations of the original build, I can't imagine anyone calling them that.

The Chrome bumper versions were practically identical to the original except the Engine, so it is just not fair to call them Replicas, like a fiberglass copy (clone) of a Cobra.

[Gunslinger]

Unfortunately, the Avanti historically seems to have been given little respect...and the "factory built replica" moniker just punctuates that.

i will grant that post-1985 Avantis might deserve that to some degree since they're based on an already built vehicle, then disassembled and reassembled with a custom body and interior...but they're still registered as Avantis.

[sweetolbob]

Kinda makes you wonder what they think of the 65-66 Canadian built Studebakers.

[SN-60]

Calling an Avanti ll a 'replica' really doesn't work, but I believe we'd all agree that 'tribute' describes this specialty vehicle much more accurately.

[Gunslinger]

I'd say the 2001-2007 cars would be the ones most deserving of the name "tribute cars". My '02 is registered as an Avanti...the owner of another '02 in my state ran into someone at motor vehicles less understanding than I did...the state would only title his as a Pontiac due to the VIN. As long as there's problems like that there will be the "replica" argument.

At least the 1985-'91 Avantis had VIN numbers exclusive to Avantis.

[Avantict]

Mike Kelly created a new series of VIN numbers for 06-07. They show the country of origin to be Mexico. My 2006 coupe has a new Avanti VIN, Ford VIN, and State of Indiana assembled vehicle VIN. Am currently duking it out with insurance companies fighting kit car argument. Wish me Luck. PS the Avanti VINs for Mexico construction were never registered in the US.
Stay tuned,.

[wolfie]

Dad had that issue with at least one of his Avanti II's (probably all of them). His agent allowed that they did that because there was not a common dealer parts network even though Avanti was still in business at that time. Their stance was that they would not have the ability to repair the car in the event of an accident so the higher "kit car" insurance helped offset any loss they would take. He disagreed as did I but at the end of the day you pay the insurance extortion or you dont drive in NC. On the positive by that same statement the insurance company (State Farm in this case) is stating they feel like if the car is damaged it cannot be repaired or replaced so in the event of an accident that is not your fault your "custom/kit" car must be worth whatever you say its worth. Steve

[Gunslinger]

Mike Kelly created a new series of VIN numbers for 06-07. They show the country of origin to be Mexico. My 2006 coupe has a new Avanti VIN, Ford VIN, and State of Indiana assembled vehicle VIN. Am currently duking it out with insurance companies fighting kit car argument. Wish me Luck. PS the Avanti VINs for Mexico construction were never registered in the US.
Stay tuned,.

John...

Years ago when I was a partner in a RV dealership, new motor homes came to us with two Manufacturers Statements of Origin for titling purposes. One was for the chassis, issued by GM, Ford or whatever company made the chassis and running gear. The second MSO came from the RV company that built the "box", or the RV part of the motor home finished product. Both were required for title purposes. You may be facing something similar as far as insuring your car.

[jnormanh]

. On the positive by that same statement the insurance company (State Farm in this case) is stating they feel like if the car is damaged it cannot be repaired or replaced so in the event of an accident that is not your fault your "custom/kit" car must be worth whatever you say its worth. Steve

I don't think that's quite the way it works. In the case of cars which were built by now defunct manufacturers, the insurance will allow for a total loss on the amount you declare (and pay the premiums for) that the vehicle is worth.

If it's a true custom (one off), they're going to want to see the original purchase price paperwork.

[Xcalibur]

All semantics, nothing more.

[GinettaG12P]

"Tribute" is just good PR, like "patina" instead of rust.

[Corvanti]

Calling an Avanti ll a 'replica' really doesn't work, but I believe we'd all agree that 'tribute' describes this specialty vehicle much more accurately.

please, let's NOT start with the "T-word" again!!!

[SN-60]

"Tribute" is just good PR, like "patina" instead of rust.

As 'clone' would mean a perfect copy of the original Studebaker Avanti, 'Tribute' would be much more reflective of what the Avanti ll was (is!)

[SN-60]

please, let's NOT start with the "T-word" again!!!

Odd!, Never knew we STOPPED using 'TRIBUTE' as an excellent way of describing an engine or vehicle that comes close to the 'real deal', but isn't quite there!