2 Avanti Prototypes

[Stormy]

Does anyone know the story behind either of these Prototypes ?

https://www.proxibid.com/asp/SearchAdvanced_i.asp?searchTerm=studebaker+avanti+prototype&category=all categories&timestamp=1590239839907#searchid=0&type=lot&search=studebaker+avanti+prototype&sort=relevance&view=gallery&length=25&refine=&start=1

[mfg]

The four door body is a Mike Kelly prototype for the eventual 1990 four door Avanti Sedan.....The 'round light' body is (I think) an early Studebaker Avanti body which was used for development purposes.

Edited May 23, 2020 by mfg

[Avanti83]

I don't often add too these posts but if I have a decade or so less years on me I'd seriously consider that 4 door quad headlight car as a candidate for an S-10 chassis setup and drive the hell out of it. 

[regnalbob]

 

On 5/23/2020 at 9:54 AM, mfg said:

The four door body is a Mike Kelly prototype for the eventual 1990 four door Avanti Sedan.....The 'round light' body is (I think) an early Studebaker Avanti body which was used for development purposes.

The four door is the Studebaker prototype for the 1965  passenger car.

 

 

Edited May 24, 2020 by regnalbob

[John Ulrich]

I was there today at the preview.  A lot of history up for auction next weekend!!!

 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hWqaFphb6qhVTJox5

 

Here's his history:  https://www.hagerty.com/media/auctions/minnesota-mans-112-car-collection-bound-for-auction-is-nearly-half-studebakers-and-avantis/

 

https://www.vanderbrinkauctions.com/auction/collector-cars-parts-the-marple-collection/

[mfg]

WOW John!...I envy you.....You must have had quite a day!

[mfg]

7 hours ago, regnalbob said:

The four door is the Studebaker prototype for the 1965  passenger car.

And you are CORRECT!.....Well done!

Edited May 24, 2020 by mfg
Added "Well done!"

[regnalbob]

22 hours ago, regnalbob said:

 

The four door is the Studebaker prototype for the 1965  passenger car.

[lschuc]

On 5/24/2020 at 3:22 PM, regnalbob said:

This prototype body was on display for awhile at the Studebaker National Museum, before going to Virgil Marple's farm.  It was sold today in the estate auction.

[mfg]

Quad headlights fitted to an Avanti nose panel just doesn't 'work' for me!

Edited May 31, 2020 by mfg

[studegary]

12 hours ago, mfg said:

Quad headlights fitted to an Avanti nose panel just doesn't 'work' for me!

You just have to look at it as 1963, not 2020.

[Gunslinger]

The Avanti was initially supposed to have quad headlights but it was changed to duals for cost reasons.  If it had been introduced with quads we wouldn't know the difference to discuss it.

[mfg]

On 5/31/2020 at 7:09 PM, Gunslinger said:

The Avanti was initially supposed to have quad headlights but it was changed to duals for cost reasons.  If it had been introduced with quads we wouldn't know the difference to discuss it.

I disagree!..... To me, considering both nose panel designs, the frontal appearance of a 1963 Studebaker Avanti looks MUCH better 'as built'.

(In other words, thank God they didn't have the $$$$ to go with the 'quad' headlights!)

Edited June 3, 2020 by mfg