The Innovative Styling of the 1970 Avanti II

Celebrities who owned Avanti's: Richard Carpenter, Johnny Carson, Dick Van Dyke, Ian Fleming, Ricky Nelson Frank Sinatra. Black & White pictures available on rustedbumper.com Music: Black Magic Woman Artist: Santana Please subscribe to be notified of future automotive slideshows Stepping into the spotlight with a blend of classic allure and modern sophistication, the 1970 Avanti II is a vehicle that commands attention. Born from the ashes of Studebaker's discontinued Avanti, this car was resurrected by the aptly named Avanti Motor Corporation. With its roots tracing back to the early 1960s, the Avanti II carried on the torch of its predecessor's innovation and style. The 1970 Avanti II's exterior styling is a testament to timeless design, with its long hood, short deck, and Coke-bottle curves. The fiberglass bodywork exudes an air of exclusivity and craftsmanship. Inside, occupants are greeted with a cabin that boasts sumptuous materials and attention to detail. Luxurious leather seats and rich wood accents highlight the era's penchant for opulence. Technologically ahead of its time, the Avanti II featured amenities such as air conditioning and power windows, which were considered premium at that time. Color options ranged from classic hues to more vibrant shades, with choices like Regal Red and Jet Black being popular among enthusiasts. The coupe body style remained the iconic choice for many, symbolizing the car's sporty yet elegant persona. The 1970 Avanti II not only preserved the legacy of its Studebaker origins but also pushed forward automotive passion in an era where mass production began to overshadow individuality. Its continuation post-Studebaker showcased an enduring commitment to design and performance that set it apart from other vehicles of the time. The Avanti II became a beacon for bespoke manufacturing in America. When Studebaker introduced the Avanti in June of 1962, it was marketed as 'America's only four-passenger high-performance personal car.' It wore styling by Raymond Loewy and his team of Tom Kellogg, John Ebstein, and Bob Andrews and was developed at the direction of Studebaker president Sherwood Egbert. Given little time to create the design and several different opinions on what it should be, the team created a clay scale model with two different sides, one being a four-seat GT coupe, and the other a two-place sports car. The styling was unique & was the first to use a 'bottom breather' design where air enters from under the front of the vehicle instead of using a conventional grille. The Avanti rested on a modified Studebaker Lark 109-inch convertible chassis and was clothed with fiberglass coachwork created by Molded Fiberglass Body in Ashtabula, Ohio, the same company that built the fiberglass panels for the 1953 Chevy Corvette. Power was from a 289 cubic-inch Hawk V8 engine, and when equipped with the optional Paxton supercharger, it had a top speed of 178 mph, making it the fastest production car in the world upon its introduction. At the Bonneville Salt Flats, it set 29 world speed records. Performance components extended to the use of front disc brakes licensed by Bendix, making the Avant the first American production car to be so equipped. Production was exclusive, with approximately 1,200 examples built in 1962 & fewer than 4,600 a year later. Egbert had hoped that at least 20,000 examples would be sold in its inaugural year, but sales fell far short of that prediction. The Studebaker factory closed on December 20th, 1963, bringing a swift end to Avanti production. The plant, tooling, and Avanti name were sold to two South Bend, Indiana, Studebaker dealers named Leo Newman and Nate Altman, who subsequently resumed production of the Avanti. During the 1970 model year, there were 117 Avanti's produced, and each car was built to specific customer specifications. Underneath its sculpted hood lay a potent V8 engine that propelled the Avanti II from 0-60 mph in a respectable timeframe for its era. While exact figures vary due to customization options, top speeds were often cited around 120 mph or more. On the road, drivers enjoyed a firm yet comfortable ride, capable of absorbing bumps while maintaining poise around corners. Behind the wheel, one could savor the symphony of its powerful engine while appreciating the car's responsive nature. The 1970 Avanti II found its niche among various enthusiasts—some used it as a daily driver while others cherished it as a show car or even took it racing on occasion. Maintenance was relatively straightforward for those familiar with American V8s of that period, though some parts could be harder to source due to its limited production run. This classic has graced the garages of celebrities and has been sought after by collectors worldwide. While not known for breaking speed records, it held a record of sorts for its survival & evolution beyond Studebaker's demise.