New convertible, new look, ushers in a new era
By Lewis Schucart
Avanti Magazine editor
CHICAGO –
While still maintaining the vision first realized by legendary designer Raymond Loewy in 1963, Avanti Motor Corp. has unveiled a new look for its 2005 model, and did that unveiling at the 2004 Chicago Auto Show.
“ In large part, a change in design usually comes from the very roots of the car, and in this case that’s very true,” said Jim Wilson, spokesperson for Avanti, the largest independent carmaker in the nation.
“ The 2005 marks the switch to a Ford chassis, our first such change since we started the line in ‘63.” Another change in design was a handing over of the design keys, figuratively speaking, from Tom Kellogg, who interpreted the original Loewy designs from their inception in 1963 until 2004.
As a result, the 2005 Avanti will reflect what Wilson terms a “somewhat stockier” image.
One noticable change will be in the rear-seat leg room, which will increase from 28.9 cubic inches in the 2004 specifications to 41.4 cubic inches.
Many of the traditional features of the Avanti remain, however – most notably the workmanship; the 2005 Avanti, like those that went before, is handcrafted, and buyers may choose their own exterior color, as well as a long list of interior design features.
A long list of standard features is already on the roster - AM/FM stereo with an in-dash 6-CD changer, power side mirrors (as well as 6-way power driver seat controls, power door locks, trunk latch, windows and antenna), air conditioning, 17-inch polished wheels, leather interiors (right down to the steering wheel cover) and fog lamps. But Avanti has always been about choices, and buyers can still today customize the features to their liking.
“ This has always been a car that defines luxury by defining itself around the individual owner,” said Wilson. “It not only has style, it has the driver’s style as well, and that’s the ultimate in luxury.”
The 2005 Avanti features a 4.6-liter V8 engine, with 260HP at 5,250 rpm and 302 lbs.ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm, and is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Fewer than 200 of the 2005 Avanti will be built in the coming year.
Also appearing at the Avanti booth this year was the 2005 Studebaker XUV and the limited-production 2004 Avanti convertible, and the Lister, created as a component vehicle by Avanti SVO (Special Vehicle Operation). Avanti will also display its available custom restyling of Dodge Trucks.
AOAI member Tom Gorr of the Chicago Avanti chapter, had the pleasure of attending the Chicago Auto Show this past February.
In a conversation with Mr. Chuck Beck, Avanti Motor Corp. chief engineer, Beck, first off, proclaimed that the ‘05 prototype at the show is just that, a prototype.
It is, in fact, a re-bodied Mustang floorpan/drivetrain assembly used for prototyping only.
According to Mr. Beck the actual production cars will not be based on a Mustang chassis, but will be unique to the Avanti “from the concrete up”.
The 2005 will use the new 4.6L Mustang/Ford V8 and associated powertrain components, the windshield header assembly, airbag systems, and a few pieces of body hardware, and electronics, and that’s all.
He also mentioned to Tom Gorr that the instrument pod will feature the classic six gauge layout of the 1963- 1983 cars and not the prototype’s layout.
He is a very interesting fellow and, for a guy who claims to not be an Avanti expert (with respect to the “history” and details of the development of the original) sure seems to have zeroed in on all of the significant Avanti “character” requirements that many of us felt were lacking in the 03’.
The gun sight hood flowing into the instrument panel, the wheel openings, proportions, even the “sound” were items mentioned on his “short list”. He assured that, without the compromises forced by a donor chassis, the ‘05 will be much truer to the ‘63 and will be a better performer to boot!
As for the Lister, if you don’t get it, you never will. It is a race car plain and simple.
If you are fortunate enough to have track time at your disposal, you already know what I mean.
Avanti Motor Corp. is now in its 41 year; more information about the company is available at its Web site, www.avantimotors.com.
