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Unveiling the 1963 Studebaker Avanti: A Visionary Classic

The 1963 Studebaker Avanti stands as a testament to innovation and style in an era of automotive evolution. Born from the ambitious minds at Studebaker, an American automobile manufacturer with roots stretching back to the 19th century, the Avanti was a bold attempt to revitalize the company's image and fortunes. Its unveiling marked a notable moment in automotive history, not only for its avant-garde design but also as one of the final models produced by Studebaker before they ceased operations.

Design and Innovation: A Leap into the Future

With its sleek, fiberglass body and absence of a conventional grille, the Avanti's exterior styling was a radical departure from contemporary designs. The car's profile featured a long hood and short deck, giving it a sporty stance that was both elegant and aggressive. Inside, drivers were greeted with aircraft-inspired dials and toggle switches, enveloped in a cabin that prioritized comfort with its use of high-quality materials.

Technologically, the Avanti was ahead of its time, boasting advanced safety features such as a built-in roll bar and flush-mounted door handles. It came in a variety of color options, with "Avanti White" and "Avanti Red" being among the most popular choices. While only available as a coupe, buyers could opt for luxury enhancements or performance packages, with the R2 supercharged version being particularly iconic.

Historical Significance: More Than Just a Pretty Face

The Avanti's impact on automotive design cannot be overstated. It challenged conventional aesthetics and introduced features that would become commonplace in later years. Its unique approach to safety and performance set it apart from its contemporaries and left an indelible mark on the industry.

Performance and Handling: The Heartbeat of Innovation

Underneath its striking exterior lay impressive performance credentials. The standard Avanti could reach top speeds upwards of 120 mph, with supercharged variants pushing even further. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly for its time, in under eight seconds. Drivers reported that handling was responsive and confident, making for an exhilarating driving experience where every turn of the wheel, every press of the pedal, and every roar from the engine connected them to the road.

Ownership Experience: Living with a Legend

The Avanti found its niche among various owners, serving as a daily driver for some while others cherished it as a showpiece or even raced it competitively. Maintenance posed certain challenges due to its unique parts and construction but many enthusiasts relished in caring for their piece of automotive history.

Fun Facts: The Avanti's Enduring Legacy

The Avanti holds several intriguing trivia points; it was once owned by celebrities like Dick Van Dyke and even set multiple speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Despite criticisms over its unconventional looks or Studebaker's financial woes, the car has remained a beloved classic.

Collector's Information: A Coveted Classic

Today, fewer than 6,000 Avantis are believed to have been produced, making them relatively rare finds on the collector market. Values vary widely based on condition and originality but can range anywhere from $20,000 to well over $60,000 for pristine examples or those with significant provenance. The market trend shows appreciation for well-maintained or fully restored models.

Conclusion: The Studebaker Avanti's Timeless Allure

The 1963 Studebaker Avanti remains an icon of mid-century automotive design—a symbol of daring creativity and forward-thinking engineering. Its story is one of triumph in design amidst adversity in business; a classic that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

1963 Studebaker Avanti Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each-AP 22Accelerator Pedal Pad, 2-3/8" X 9", Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 45Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 4-1/8" long, with 1-5/8" long inner slot. Pair

1963 Studebaker Avanti Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 67Front and Rear Bumper Arm Grommets. 2-3/4" wide X 5-3/8" long, with 1-3/4" long inner slot. Pair

1963 Studebaker Avanti Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair-BN 107Power Steering Bushing. 1-9/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair

1963 Studebaker Avanti Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high-BN 13Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 5/8" high., with 3/8" I.D. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D-GF 45Gas Filler Grommet. Perfect reproduction. Top 2-1/16" I.D., 3-7/16" O.D. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair-HR 16Headlight Ring Seal. 8-5/8" O.D., 7-7/8" I.D. Pair

1963 Studebaker Avanti Mirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-B, check dimensions-MP 965-AMirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-B, check dimensions. 1" wide X 7" long. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Mirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-A, check dimensions-MP 965-BMirror Pad. Similar to MP 965-A, check dimensions. 1-1/8" wide X 6-3/4" long. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each-MP 979Door Lock Pad. 1-1/8" O.D. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Antenna Pad. 1-1/2" O.D., 5/8" I.D. Each-MP 979-AAntenna Pad. 1-1/2" O.D., 5/8" I.D. Each

1963 Studebaker Avanti Rubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights-MP 979-CRubber Seal Behind Fender on Headlights. 8-7/8" wide X 10" long. Pair

1963 Studebaker Avanti Headlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D-SM 13-AHeadlight & Tail-Light Wire Grommet. 3/8" I.D., 7/8" O.D. Each