psdenno
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Posts posted by psdenno
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Just about all written references to the design of the Avanti contain a sentence along the lines of, "Loewy sequestered his highly talented team in a rented desert ranch house near Palm Springs, California.".
The house still stands and, from the outside, looks much like it did when the design team used it over 50 years ago.
What's the four digit number on the mailbox of the "Avanti Design House"?
Dennis
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A 1:43 scale model of Lowey's 1966 Jaguar. Not one of his best makeovers, but a nice addition to my collection of models of his various customs.
Merry Christmas to all!
Dennis
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Eddy, since "memorable" can be defined as "worth remembering", then enjoy the warm fuzzies you get from remembering those slogans. Revel in them. But, I almost hate to say this on Christmas Eve, be aware that most people might feel differently.
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Manhattan.
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Loewy was certainly an outstanding judge of talent to work for his company, and he was a very effective salesman for the company's business. Some of his personal designs were quite good but he also exhibited some, let's say..."questionable" tastes in some of his personal car designs. The best of those designs were distilled into the Avanti...and thankfully the worst were left out.The "V" on his personal Avanti...it might have been a personal statement but it sure varied from the dictum of less is more. The Avanti design is a statement that stands on its own...it was like Loewy was simply adding a "Look at me" sign where none was needed. He did have quite the ego.
Couldn't agree more. The "V" was a symbol of more is more when it came to telling the world there was a V8 under the hood. Considering what he did to some of his other cars to make them stand out from others that rolled off the same assembly line, the "V" was quite understated.
Dennis
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I remembered them.....Still, it's always nice to hear your positive comments.
Eddy, in what context do you remember them (magazine ads, trade journals, brochures, packing boxes, etc.) and how long ago?
Dennis
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I wonder what happened to the Avanti IIs that were purchased by the Shaw of Iran just before he was exiled in 1979. I remember reading about the purchase, but never saw anything else about the cars.
Dennis
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From an advertising standpoint, I'd have to say that company slogans that no one can remember are probably not worth the cost of the ink to print them. Those two are quite forgettable.
Dennis
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Earlier, I presented the following trivia question.....
Raymond Loewy's grandson recently graduated from college. Name the school and his area of study.
Now for a couple clues.
Clue #1: Same California university his mother attended.
Clue #2: His grandfather, Raymond, would heartily approve the career choice.
Dennis
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Gotta disagree with you on that, MFGy. This particular thread has had more views than any other of the posted trivia questions, so I have no doubt it will get the attention it deserves. However, will it get answered correctly? A clue tomorrow if no one ventures a guess.Good to see someone else with a trivia question....And this is a pretty good one....But I would suggest that it be posted as a new question on AVANTI TRIVIA....For one thing, I think more folks would see and read it if that were done.....And I'd like to see more folks post AVANTI TRIVIA questions.....I know you guys have them!.........Thanks, mfg
Denny
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But Denny,...You still haven't given us the gate guards name.(In all honesty!!)
Now, MFGy, that's the spirit. You've lightened up. No idea about that long gone gate guard. But, here's one for you, or anyone else.....
Raymond Loewy's grandson recently graduated from college. Name the school and his area of study.
Denny
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Well, in all honesty Dennis, the job that 'Buck' had at Paxton products, assembling many of the R3 and R4 engines (that are now considered almost 'sacred' to us), and being a part of the Granatelli Novi effort at the Indianapolis 500,...may seem trivial to you....but others on this forum may feel that it was an admirable accomplisment....All in one's point of view I guess!
Well, in all honesty right back at you, you're the one who categorized Buck's contribution as trivia, not me. So, please don't play the "Holier than thou" card with me. You seem to be willing to have fun with trivia only when it suits your purpose. Lighten up, life's too short to get your knickers in a knot over something so trivial.
Now, how about some more trivia?
Dennis
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Like the name of the swing shift gate guard in September 1954?No way!!...I can come up with much more trivial trivia than this trivial trivia is!!
Dennis
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This question may win the prize for Most Trivial Trivia. Glad to know I'm not the only one with too much time on my hands.
Dennis
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Mine have been the same height since leaving the factory, except for age sag, so I'll guess "no".
Dennis
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I have to agree with those who suggest just not reading topics that offend, don't interest, or confuse you. Nothing could be easier. No one on the forum is forced to read anything. Being a forum bully or starting a "pissing contest" is counterproductive. If one is unhappy with the forum, move on. It's quite easy.
Dennis
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Sort of like the way R2470 rolled out of the factory.
Dennis
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'full circle' 180' spinout? Not sure what that means.
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True.
Dennis
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Trick question....
Henry J frame.
Dennis
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No worries Glenn. I fully understand how forums work and the many ways the written word can be interpreted. Writing as one who was around when the Avanti was in production, enthusiasts did follow the details of what Studebaker was doing on the Salt Flats.
I remember being at the dealership "'63 model year" introduction in Superior, WI and seeing the Avanti in the showroom.
As for how Studebaker viewed the Avanti, I have the 1963 Press Kit, the Public Relations Department release states....
"Avanti brings to the American motorist numerous "firsts" in performance, safety, and design. Inspired by Sherwood Egbert, Studebaker Corporation President, Avanti has created a new class of sophisticated design and elegance."
""Admiittedly, this is not a car for everyone. The advanced styling and engineering is intended to please individuals desiring an automobile of personal prestige and distinction," says Sherwood Egbert"
"When in motion, the Avanti proclaims action; while standing still, it has an appearance of speed arrested in time."
The release goes on to mention the association with Benz as an additional "buzz" word. There's also mention that the Avanti would come standard with either a three or a four speed transmission. As we know, the automatic was an option. Hardig's SAE paper on the Avanti (Jan 14-18, 1963) goes into great detail if you get a chance to see a copy.
So, it appears Studebaker wanted to cover all bases with performance and style.
Dennis
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Understood, and hope you don't take it personal because I love the Avanti, too./quote]
Of course I don't take it personal. After all, it's just a car and we have a differing point of view on its intangible values. Just trying to broaden your scope a bit to increase your appreciation of a very unique piece of automotive history. Clearly, we both enjoy the Avanti.
Dennis
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As talented as the Granitellis were, the Avantis were never a performance car IMHO, always more of a "personal luxury sport tourer".
If that was the case, it appears that Studebaker and the brothers Granitelli spent a lot of time, effort, and money on the salt flats just for grins. No telling why Studebaker printed up all those showroom banners listing the records that were broken if the intended Avanti buyer just wanted a country club cruiser. More likely, Studebaker wanted a performance car in the GT style that could meet a range of buyer expectations. Automatics vs. four speeds, Paxton Superchargers vs. air conditioning. Not a lot of options to choose from back then.
Dennis
R2470
R2 4-speed
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I'm guessing Studebaker Marketing folks didn't view the Avanti as primarily a performance car, in spite of the Granatelli brothers. The Marketing Department tends to be the tail that wags the dog in the auto industry.
Dennis
Avanti Design House
in Avanti Trivia
Posted
Nope. That would be Loewy's address in a much nicer part of town.
Dennis