Avanti Gray and Avanti Black Exterior Colors

[Paul K.]

I have seen '63 color charts listing "Avanti Black" as an exterior color but not "Avanti Gray". I also have read that the color black was dropped as an available color sometime in the '63 model year.

Was Avanti Black replaced with Avanti Gray? If it was, when?

[lschuc]

Sometime in late 1962, Avanti Black was discontinued and replaced by Gray. Later, in early 1963, I believe, Avanti Black was reinstated in place of gray, probably after author Ian Fleming insisted that his new '63 Avanti be painted black.

[Gunslinger]

When black was re-listed as an available color, it was also extra cost...something like $35...due to the extra effort involved in finishing.

[Paul K.]

Thanks.

Is there a breakdown such as in percentages of how many of each color were produced? Not just gray and black, all colors for 63 and 64?

[regnalbob]

In Nov.,1962 Avanti Gray became available as a standard color.

Avanti Black was only discontinued as a standard color and was available only on a special order basis.

Dealers were advised of production delays when ordering black.

Any orders for black before Feb.1,1963 were built at no extra charge and $35.50 for orders after that date.

Gray continued till the end of production.

[64Avanti]

By the way Avanti Gray was not a very dark color and was actually a blue-gray color.

[Paul K.]

Yes and it apparently was iridescent and had a hue of lavender in it too. My avatar is an avanti gray car but the lighting isn't the best for accuracy.

Edited January 18, 2016 by Paul K.

[lschuc]

Here is a better lighting image of an Avanti Gray model. This is on display during the 2002 Raymond Loewy Foundation exhibit inside the Spiral Gallery in Tokyo, Japan.