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As an experiment several years ago, I removed the power steering system from my ‘63 Avanti (leaving the 16-1 power steering box in place). This basically would be the same as if the car had been ordered with ‘quick ratio’ steering… The front suspension was in good shape & well greased… I was running 20575R-15 radial tires all around at 30 psi…. BAD IDEA!!……My Avanti steered like a truck at low speeds…. (No offense you truck owners out there!!)

California 1975 and older is still exempt from smog, the Leno law would have changed that to cars being 35 years or older being exempt. Once upon a time it was twentyfive years or older were exempt. Most cars 2000 and newer its only a visual inspection with motor running but no sniffer in the tail pipe.

Here in N.C. they've dropped emission standard and testing .. They do have a Safety Inspection though. Calif has it bad... the Proposed Jay Leno Law failed and now ALL Cars must meet a form of emission standards. I don't know how far reaching that is, however. It was Jay Leno's point was, Collector Vehicles were not a threat due to their lack of general use (as MFG points out). Wouldn't it be interesting if He packed His bags and moved His Operation out of State?

Apparently, the auction on this very deserving wrecked '63 Avanti closes at 9 pm on Monday, Jan. 5. https://www.copart.com/lot/84553735/clean-title-1963-studebaker-avanti-ny-newburgh

I doubt if there’s enough ‘60’s, ‘70’s, ‘80’s, or even ‘90’s cars being driven regularly enough to even be concerned about the emissions they produce…. Also,…..collector vehicles are generally kept in very good states of tune which helps some.

Perhaps instead of complaining, you could volunteer to help?

Definitely an issue of some kind. I and several others have access, but most don't. Unusual low level of activity. My email to admin@forum.studebakerdriversclub.com did not go through.

Yes exactly…. Basically the power steering ratio 16-1 steering box… without the power steering! Just slightly ‘lighter’ steering, due to not having to steer through a ‘dead’ ram, as one has to do with a disabled power steering system.

Yes, Clarke was the division!

3 clarke

At 6:36 pm PT on January 3 2026 I attempted to access the SDC Forum from a PC, but I still can't get in.

Quick ratio steering.

Power steering was installed In Avanti R5642 (second to last Avanti produced), several years after it was built….. What made this Studebaker Avanti particularly difficult to steer ‘as built’?

Late in 1963, a subsidiary of Studebaker Corp. began a national contest for their salesmen… The salesman that sold the most of their product would win a new Studebaker Avanti…Which division of Studebaker was this? 1) Onan Generators…. 2) Chemical Compounds…..3) Clarke Floor Machine…..or …..4) Paxton Products

Yep… You got it!!

Two it was Dwight!!

Good answer… however not 3!

That’s what I thought.. however, we were wrong!

I say the only Avanti Studebaker brought was the one awarded to Roger Ward for winning the race.

2 for me

Since 1962 would have been them showing off what they were about to build I think 3.

Two seems like a reasonable number, so I'll say 2). --Dwight

I saw one of these at the vendor display during the AOAI/SDC dual meet. Now I want to purchase one in good to excellent condition.

In May of 1962, Studebaker brought…..?….. of their new Avantis to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to be used for pre race activities on and off the track. 1) One…..2) Two…..3) Three….or…..4) Four