In the mid to late ’50’s both Packard and Studebaker were not doing well and by the time 1968 came along, (perhaps it was 57) it was decided that Studebaker would take over Packard, and for that reason the Packard name was dropped. I seem to recall the last year the Packard name was used was 1958, with the Packard Hawk. If it were Avantii specific information I would know the dates as I don’t follow all of the Studebaker data.

The Avanti has never attracted the attention as has many other limited productdion cars, yet, a Supercharged Avanti cost more in 1963 than a Split Window Corvette and when they are parked together at a car show, more attention is given to the Avanti than to the “vette”. Different by Design is a slogan used by Studebaker and it sure holds true for the Avanti.

Raymond Lowey and Associates designed a number of Studebaker products, the Avanti was simply the last of the Studebaker cars his team designed, in Palm Springs, April of 1961

It looks like a James Bond type of car, I have never heard of a hill holder clutch. Is that a common feature?? I have owned a few rides with clutches….but have never run across that before.

One of the amazing things about the Avanti is how it tends to grab its owners – we are a loyal and dedicatd bunch who probably have an above average number of years owning our Avantis. For the sound and motion see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YG8pdR6VAXw

Not a bad driving car, but I have to admit, IMO not much to look at.

I have two examples, a 66 and a 73, which I intend to retire with. It’s a grat looker and I’m surprissed how many younger people think It’s new. If they were only around back then, maybe The Studebaker legasy would still be with us.

Quite a thrill driving these fiberglass bodied cars. Anyone in Canada wishing for more information, send me a note. Roland Vardon-President Canadian Avanti Owners Association–Avanti2696@rogers.com

Packard bought Studebaker.

And Loewy simply headed up the design team that created the Avanti.