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Prototype Studebaker
These are prototypes produced by Studebaker based on the Avanti design. For a brief time in the early 1960's Studebaker had hopes that the well-received, but limited production Avanti would save the company from certain financial ruin. Even the Avanti couldn't make that dream come true, but several sedan and four door designs were built using Avanti body panels. These prototypes are proof of how powerful an influence the Avanti had on corporate design strategy at the time. If Studebaker's entire line of vehicles had been transformed into Avanti variations, would this new fleet of cars have saved Studebaker? Probably not since competitive design was only one of Studebaker's problems. For many years the prototypes were kept in warehouses and were almost forgotten. Today some of them are on exhibit at the Studebaker National Museum in South Bend, Indiana.

Prototype Studebaker

Prototype Studebakers


Seventeen Years Later . . .

These drawings are signed by Raymond Loewy and dated 1978. Raymond Loewy's ideas for redesigning the Avanti in his own words: " If I were to redesign the Avanti today, I would keep it much the same."

(Ed. note: Despite Loewy's considerable reputation as the Avanti's designer all of these ideas would have ruined the Avanti) I might, however, emphasize the off center treatment and place two fog lights into the headlight cluster (on the drivers side). The body could be a bit wider and lower, designed to accept wider tires. The face of the instrument panel would be white and the pointers black for better readability. The exhaust system needs improvement. The windshield wipers could disappear under the cowl. Better sunvisors are essential.The air-cooling system needs study. The engine compartment air-intake could be redesigned for better efficiency. A spoiler might be desirable. I would reduce the width of the A pillar (front windshield pillar) to a minimum to reduce blind area.

Loewy drawing

Loewy drawing
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