This tribute to the Avanti and Michael Kelly was written for the introduction to the 'Legacy' brochure—In 1961, Raymond Loewy and his design team were commissioned to design the Avanti. As soon as it was off the drawing board, and even in the midst of perhaps the most imaginative period in automotive history, the Avanti inspired design claimed the status of a classic. Loewy's reputation as the premier American industrial designer of the twentieth century was forever secured.Yet, as awesome as the new motorcar's reputation was, few dared believe it would survive the passage of time to arrive, a quarter of a century later virtually unchanged.

The Avanti name was taken from the Italian word for "forward", and was aptly named. A complete inspiration, a star from its very inception, this automobile has led the design and technology wave of the auto manufacturing world. Conceived as the American alternative to the coveted luxury motorcars of Europe and the Continent, the Avanti is a handcrafted tribute not only to the genius of Raymond Loewy, but to the possibilities of man's imagination and ingenuity.

Born ahead of its time, Avanti has continued to outpace the industry. The elegant grace of its aerodynamic design belies the safety and practicality of a fiberglass body that, in turn, covers heavy-duty suspension, front disc brakes and a built-in roll bar in all models except the Sport Convertible. In 1986, a new leader took up the Avanti dream.

Michael E. Kelly formed the New Avanti Motor Corporation to carry on the tradition he had come to cherish since his first introduction to the classic motorcar. In Avanti, Kelly saw the personification of precision and detail. An outspoken advocate of excellence in all its forms, Kelly's passion is best described in his own words, ". . . where excellence is concerned, there can be no compromise. We are clearly committed to handcrafting the finest motorcar in all the world." Raymond Loewy knew the exhileration of creation, of exploration, when the Avanti first flowed from his imagination. His design, recognized among his peers as a masterpiece, survived to become a legacy in its own time. The legacy continues today as it has for a quarter of a century and as it will through an untold future. Avanti, a legacy of excellence.