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This sharp 1963 Studebaker Avanti Coupe belongs to Joe Sadler of Shoreline, Washington.
Joe's Avanti is a round headlight version with "powershift" automatic transmission.
All 1963 and early 1964 Avantis had round headlights.
This was the last design by Raymond Loewy Associates for Studebaker.
The Avanti used a modified Lark frame for strength and a fiberglass body.
You could order a supercharged engine or air conditioning, but not both.
Early cars had some problems including reports of the large rear window blowing out at speed.
Andy Granatelli set a number of speed records in the Avanti.
If you own or once owned a Studebaker or related vehicle and would like to see your car as "Stude of the Month," please e-mail me here. I can accept either electronic or hard copy images.
Joe Sadler also sent in this picture of his 1962 Studebaker Gran Turismo Hawk. Joe must like red Studebakers! This is the first year for the Gran Turismo Hawk. Milwaukee based designer Brooks Stevens did a remarkable job restyling the old Hawk. In addition to eliminating the 1950's style tail fins and adding a "Thunderbird" style roof, the interior was totally new with a redesigned dash and bucket seats with center console. The result was an extremely attractive car and significantly increased Hawk sales.
This cool custom belongs to Don Atwood of Hawthorne, California.
The front clip is from a 1950 Studebaker while the rest of the car from the doors back is a 1950 Chevrolet Fleetline Sedan.
To further mix things up, the dashboard is from a 1961 Chrysler and the rear suspension is from a 1983 Buick.
Power comes from a Chevy 350 small block V8 coupled to a GM Turbo Hydramatic 350 transmission.
Amenities include four bucket seats, center console, and modern sound system with 12 disc CD player.
Brooklin is an English company that makes 1:43 scale diecast classic cars.
In addition to the 1952 Champion Starlight Coupe, Brooklin has also released a 1952 Studebaker Commander Convertible.
Brooklin models are hand painted and are typically made in runs of no more than 3,000 per variation.
They are heavy models that retail for around $80 a piece.
To see more toy Studes, visit my Studebaker Toys Home Page.
Click here for information on ordering a toy Frankenstude Hot Rod, 1961 Champ Truck, 1951 Starlight Coupe, 1951 Starlight Street Rod, or Modified 1953-54 Starliner.
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