There was one up here in New England like that years ago... (Gray/Orange)...I liked it!
It kind of reminded me of the early '55 Speedsters with that 'blinding' all yellow leather interior!
Interesting Nelson!..
I remember the Dodge/Plymouth S/S Tourqeflite equipped cars were generally quicker than the four speed versions....although a couple drivers (at the time) could shift a good four speed car to times equal or even better than the automatics.
I remember reading several years back that Krem/Palma were considering swapping a Powershift into the 'Wrapper' in place of the four speed (for less wear & tear on the car I would imagine)
It's interesting the #2 car was converted from four speed to Powershift Nelson.....If the conversion was done by the Granatellis, they must have been confident that a automatic equipped Daytona would be quicker down the strip than a four speed......
In my opinion, it would really depend on the quick shifting ability of the driver of the four speed car.
It's too bad the Granatellis did not consider backing the R5 engine with a HD Borg Warner T-85 'long tail' overdrive transmission. (as used in the '58 GH)
I would think the Due Cento would have topped 200 MPH with ease if set up that way!.... and it would have been a 'bolt in'!
Yes..you nailed it!...Apparently Mr. Loewy had no use for exposed bumper bolts..as can be seen on Hawks & Larks....but are completely absent on Avantis!
Hope everyone had a HO HO Happy Christmas...I spent a few hours at my local Toyota dealer on Christmas eve waiting for battery to be replaced on the Rav4 I purchased a few months ago...Imagine..3,100 miles on the vehicle and I had to jump it to get it going...battery was JUNK!!!
(And they ask me why I drive an '83 Avanti for everyday transportation!!)
I closed the moonroof opening with fiberglass on my '83 Avanti several years ago, and it has worked out well, however, I must admit that, excepting for the leaks, I do miss having it.
I feel fortunate that my '63 Avanti was painted in acrylic lacquer back 35 years ago...The car has been well cared for, and when I show it, it gives onlookers a better idea of how Studebaker Avantis appeared back when they were new.....Ed
Modern base coat/clear coat urethane paints, with their 'wet' look, enhances almost any color...
I think it should be noted though that this modern deep, wet, appearance is definitely not how the factory lacquer paint jobs looked in '63-'64.
I've never removed the sway bars from my '85..but they appear to fit the suspension just like the thinner ones do......(the '84's and 5's also came equipped with the 'short' steering arms)