History of Avanti

 In 1961, Studebaker Corp. ranked fourth among the largest car maker in America. Chairman of the Group, Mr. Sherwood Egbert idea to introduce a new car to diversify product lines and highlights the progressive ideas of cars that the group accumulated. To apply the new car design, he was invited to be the world-famous designer Raymond Loewy to work. Loewy, along with design team includes John Ebstein, Robert Andrews, and Tom Kellogg has conducted the only automotive design in less than 60 days. A clay model was taken to South Bend of Indian origin and has been approved to put into production. April 26, 1962, a super car has been launched to the public. 1963 Studebaker Avanti model is called a major breakthrough for public loves cars and is a pressure for the automobile industry. Studebaker Avanti cars produce only the second model (1963 & 1964) and stop producing cars in the U.S. on December 9, 1963. Studebaker automobile diverted to Canada and claim Avanti models will no longer be produced anymore.
Two success of the Studebaker dealers in South Bend country of India is Nathan Altman (Nate) and Leo Newman has since decided not to be forgotten Avanti models. Early in 1964, Mr. Altman approached Studebaker and buy back the rights, instruments, machinery, equipment, etc.. required for vehicles manufactured Avanti. The transaction was negotiated and the Avanti car ownership has been transferred early in 1964.
The new owners established the Avanti Motor Corporation and began manufacturing the special edition cars. The new model was named the Avanti II. The new Avanti car different from the previous car, the new vehicle customers have to recognize colors and interior and exterior no different from its own car manufacturing orders. Avanti II vehicles continue to be produced from 1965 until 1982 when the company was sold to Mr. Stephen Blake.
Once in power management company, Blake began to change Avanti models. One of the first things to do, but he sets up the hierarchy is "II" from the name of the car and put the car back to its roots. Blake's next step is to introduce a special model to celebrate its 20 year after birth Avanti first car. The car's 20th Anniversary in 1983 were performed at the Auto Expo in Chicago in 1983. Avanti car all black, no chrome, and looks like the European technology stems from the previous design. Following this model Anniversary series coupe is a special tourism was born.
Late in 1984, Mr. Blake began two improvement projects for Avanti cars. The first project is to deploy additional folding roof coupe now. The second project is for the Avanti GT models, replacing the coupe chassis and suspension system generally. Avanti Motor Corp. But Blake's was not finishing the project. Early in 1985, Blake announced that he will cease trading after three years of operation.
April 1986, Michael E. Kelly, a businessman, native of South Bend has acquired land assets of the Avanti Motor Corporation. Kelly began planning to restore the Avanti to revive in the field of automobile production is still limited. His company names Avanti Motor Corp. to produce new models convertible, coupe, and a new model luxury coupe. Unlike predecessor vehicles, the new models introduced by Kelly made based on the model of General Motors beginning in 1987. This change is important, because Avanti was no longer using the Studebaker and apply obsolete technology of 1950. In addition, this new model possesses a electric actuator makes it possible to use any service at any GM dealer.
Kelly late in 1987 with a partner, John J. Cafaro, with plans to shift production from South Bend country of India to Youngstown Ohio. This shift took place at around quarter 4 in 1987. For the 1988 model, they introduced a special 25 th Anniversary coupe, and quickly sold out. This 25th Anniversary coupe of luxury cars, a white charger and Paxton under the hood. In 1988, Kelly moved concentrated into a new business opportunity.
John J. Cafaro became the 5th owners of the Avanti in 1988. He changed the company name to Avanti Automotive Corporation. With the model of the company in 1988 and 1989 continues to build type roadster and coupe, and also began developing 4-door models and a new convertible model. Model 1990 four-door has encountered the reaction of the market and ceased production in 1991. After a small number of cabriolets were produced and sold in that year, the Avanti was not made in Youngstown, Ohio.
Avanti has a few years in seclusion until late in 1998 when the assets of the old company in Youngstown, Ohio was being prepared for sale. A fan Avanti, Jim Bunting has hired designer Tom Kellogg Avanti generation models. Jim Bunting also hired Bill Lange's reputation in the Hot Rod Garage Ga to produce 3 new generation of cars called Avanti AVX. One of the samples that were produced, including a coupe, a convertible car and a t-top coupe. After releasing three cars, he does not want to continue producing more jobs. John Seaton purchased the entire property and assets of the former company in Ohio.
During that time, Michael Kelly, is a fan of Avanti continued progress of the project. Kelly's desire to produce the Avanti models, as evidenced by his contact with Seaton and they have established new relationships to restore the Avanti. August 25, 1999 Avanti Motor Corporation was founded with Kelly as President and Seaton as CEO. A suitable head office is located in Villa Rica, Georgia, and after 6 months was repaired and built a new Avanti model. Avanti Cars 2001 was released to the public in October 2000. Coupe cabriolets Avanti has been put into production since that time. November 4, 2001 Kelly Seaton acquisition of shares and became sole owner of the Avanti Motor Corporation.
In 2003, Kelly began to diversify its product line. He formed branching SVO (Special Vehicle Operation) responsible for manufacturing components for the car.
Previously people used to say that "Heritage is always maintained." Although heritage is something to be left behind but still Avanti means "forward"!