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Anybody else think this looks like a body kit on a Firebird? I think it happens to look pretty good, but look at the tops of the rear quarters... and then find the interior shot (it's in the "Standard Features" section...)
"We suspect the typical AVX customer will be satisfied with the level of performance offered by the standard GM powertrain. If so, the cost of the conversion will be $33,900—for coupe, T-top, or convertible—not including the cost of the Firebird Formula or Trans Am.
A would-be AVX owner can supply his or her own, or AVX can do it and tack the cost onto the price of the AVX conversion. The total tab will come to something over $60,000, which strikes us as pretty reasonable for a limited-edition, custom-built vehicle with this sort of pedigree. Bunting plans to sell perhaps 20-25 cars a year, a figure that appears plausible considering that the Avanti II regularly achieved a production rate of 100-200 cars for vehicles that were similarly targeted and priced."
Avanti was in the news last year, because GM believed the 2004 XUV concept too closely resembled the h2. The XUV was re-designed for the Chicago Auto Show this year.
When Kelly was in town (South Bend) making the Avanti, I was a big fan. He was using GM Monte Carlos as a frame at the time and the car still had the Avanti feel to it since they were being made in Studebaker buildings and the car still looked much like Loewy's design. When he sold it and the new owners moved to Ohio that car was pretty much dead.
This new Avanti, while interesting, is not an Avanti. Nor is that Studebaker Xuv a Stude. These are panels stuck on existing cars that still look as much like the previous car as it does the new car. I see Firebird all over that thing and to have an original in the same picture for the intro is a slap in the face. I understand this probably has to be done to keep costs down but I for one am not keen on seeing the Avanti or Studebaker name draped on a half ass attempt of anything.
I tell you what. For what they want for those cars, do yourself a favor. Go buy an original, have a Paxson SC put on it and you'll have the best looking, fastest Avanti going and it will be the real deal.
Last edited by Mark Hosaflook; 02-24-2004 at 03:38 PM..
When Kelly was in town (South Bend) making the Avanti, I was a big fan. He was using GM Monte Carlos as a frame at the time and the car still had the Avanti feel to it since they were being made in Studebaker buildings and the car still looked much like Loewy's design. When he sold it and the new owners moved to Ohio that car was pretty much dead.
Speaking of the original Studebaker buildings, I have heard they were torn down recently. Is this true?
Yes, as were many of the Uniroyal buildings in Mishawaka. All for the better. These are ancient, unsafe, abandoned etc. Some of the buildings have continued to have businesses in them so they are kept up and still going. The new Studebaker Museum will reopen in a refurbished SP building.
Is this true?
