The 2 different Mustang based Avanti's

[ronmanfredi]

Many don't know that Avanti had to make 2 different Ford based cars between 2004-2007.  In 2004 Avanti had run out of Firebird donor cars and had to make a new body to fit the current SN95 chassis.  Production began in late 2004 and continued through most of 2005.  Ford announced in 2005 the discontinuance of the SN95 and the introduction of the S197 car.  Once again, Avanti had to recreate a completely new body to fit the 2006-2007 chassis.  The prototypes were actually initially created in Villa Rica, Georgia while the Cancun, Mexico factory was being built and then transported to Cancun to begin production.  Here are photos of each donor car and the resulting Avanti car.  Notice how the 2004 red car is narrower than the 2007 silver car.  The 2004 also has a longer front overhang than the 2007.  

 

 

 

 

[Randy Atkin]

Excellent review Ron of the development of the Mustang based Avantis. To confirm what you stated, John Hull's book "Avanti the Complete Story" shows several 2006 Avantis, some in prime coat, loaded on a transport destined for Mexico. I'm quite sure my 2006 coupe #4006 was one of them.

 

[ronmanfredi]

14 minutes ago, Randy Atkin said:

Excellent review Ron of the development of the Mustang based Avantis. To confirm what you stated, John Hull's book "Avanti the Complete Story" shows several 2006 Avantis, some in prime coat, loaded on a transport destined for Mexico. I'm quite sure my 2006 coupe #4006 was one of them.

 

Here is your car with Jeff Grohs at the factory!  It's also on the "Avanti's 2000s" Facebook page.

[Randy Atkin]

Yes I believe it is. At some point the factory changed the wheel rims to Mustang Cobra ones. Also in the same book there is a photo of what I believe must be mine being color sanded. The photo depicts it as a 2007 but I think that is an error.