Avanti Car Seat Covers

Avanti Seat Covers

In 1961, Studebaker Corporation was the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the United States . Its new president Sherwood Egbert conceived the idea of introducing a new car to enhance its model offerings and highlight the advanced thinking the automotive division was capable of. To execute the design of the new automobile, he retained world-renowned industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Loewy, with his design team of John Ebstein, Robert Andrews, and Tom Kellogg conceived and executed the design of the new car in less than 60 days. A clay model of the car was delivered to South Bend , Indiana and was approved for production. On April 26, 1962, a new automotive star was introduced to the public. The 1963 Studebaker Avanti was an instant hit with the public and automotive press. Studebaker only built the Avanti for two model years (1963 & 1964) and ceased automotive production in the U.S. on December 9, 1963. Studebaker transferred its automotive production to Canada and announced the Avanti would no longer be built. (Contrary to a popular myth the Studebaker Avanti was never built in Canada .)

Two successful Studebaker dealers in South Bend , Indiana , Nathan Altman (Nate) and Leo Newman, refused to let the Avanti die. Early in 1964, Mr. Altman approached Studebaker about purchasing the rights, tooling, machinery, equipment, etc. necessary to build the Avanti. A deal was negotiated and ownership of the Avanti was transferred early in 1964.

The new owners established the Avanti Motor Corporation and began handcrafting their version of this exciting automobile. The new model was called the Avanti II. The new Avanti differed from its predecessor in that the customer would dictate the exterior and interior automotive colors and trimmings making each one a custom automobile.