Avanti [1] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Avanti was an American automobile brand that operated from 1965 to 1991, primarily known for its production of the Avanti coupe and its variants. The brand originated after the Studebaker Corporation ceased production of the original Avanti model in 1965. Two former Studebaker dealers, Nathan Altman and Leo Newman, acquired the rights to the Avanti name and a portion of the Studebaker factory in South Bend, Indiana, to continue manufacturing the vehicle.

The initial production of the Avanti II began in 1965, utilizing Chevrolet Corvette V8 engines due to the unavailability of the original Studebaker V8. The engine options evolved over the years, starting with a 5.4-liter (360 cubic inches) engine, later offering a 5.7-liter (350 cubic inches) and eventually a 6.6-liter (400 cubic inches) engine. The design of the Avanti II retained much of the original's frame, suspension, and fiberglass body, which was supplied by Molded Fiberglass of Ashtabula, Ohio. The company produced 45 cars in its first year and reached annual sales of approximately 100 to 125 units throughout the 1970s, peaking at 287 units in 1984.

In 1982, the company was sold to Stephen Blake, who dropped the "II" from the name and introduced a convertible model in 1985, producing a total of 228 convertibles. The brand underwent further changes in ownership, becoming the New Avanti Motor Corporation in 1986, although no cars were produced that year. The company relocated to Youngstown, Ohio, and introduced a long-wheelbase coupe in 1988. However, this model was soon discontinued, and production continued with the regular coupe and convertible, alongside a limited run of a four-door sedan in 1990.

Avanti's production officially ended in 1991, although it was rumored that partially completed vehicles remained in the factory and may have been assembled to order for several years afterward. The total production figures from 1987 to 1991 included 190 coupes, 58 long-wheelbase coupes, 228 convertibles, and 97 sedans.