1963-2 Studibaker Avanti

[JPL-ACE]

I just finished another test build to restore my abilities. After 60 years or so, I am doing well. This is an Avanti. Studibakers last gasp. If they could have done it even 1 year sooner, I think it would have saved the company but not only were they late but their best model (turbocharged V8) could not be produced fast enough for demand. It was marketed as the fastest production car at that time, at 189mph. Anyway, here is my take on this beauty. I am not a painter and a worse photographer but hey, what do you want for free admission?

[Hard_2_Handle_454]

Saw one of these at a car show a few weeks ago.  they're a lot nicer than one would expect.

[JPL-ACE]

39 minutes ago, Hard_2_Handle_454 said:

Saw one of these at a car show a few weeks ago.  they're a lot nicer than one would expect.

I think is no longer made. Apparently, it was never made in Canada (I just read) and the last one was made in Mexico in 2006. Unless I got bit by fake news.

[XYHARRY]

Nice Avanti, well done. 

Cheers, 

David. ??

[ChrisR]

Nice.

[David G.]

It's a good build, nice interior detail.

David G.

[JPL-ACE]

Thanks, XYHarry, ChrisR, and David G. Old School, tried to paint the numbers on the dash and tach. I need to come into the new world, tiny decals.

[ncbuckeye67]

Very nice! I love those cars. A family friend of my wife's owns a local car museum, that has a silver one on display.

[PappyD340]

Great looking Stude!

[JPL-ACE]

Thanks to PappyD340 and ncbuckeye67. My Family had Studes my entire life but they could not afford this one (unfortunately)

[espo]

Great looking color and interior combination. The engine looks well detailed, but you maybe misinformed as to the R2 engine in the kit. Studebaker used a belt driven Super Charger from the Paxton Products of Santa Monica Ca. The kit also includes the parts for the R3 engine that had two Super Chargers. Like how you got the opening doors hood done. They are a challenge. 

[mrm]

Never seen this kit before. Not very familiar with the real car either. I've been to a lot of car shows, but I don't think I have ever seen one in the flesh. 

[JPL-ACE]

20 hours ago, espo said:

Great looking color and interior combination. The engine looks well detailed, but you maybe misinformed as to the R2 engine in the kit. Studebaker used a belt driven Super Charger from the Paxton Products of Santa Monica Ca. The kit also includes the parts for the R3 engine that had two Super Chargers. Like how you got the opening doors hood done. They are a challenge. 

Thanks espo, I said turbo instead of super. my bad. Your detail is correct as I had looked it up earlier but forgot most of it. Happening a lot recently I'm afraid. I had more trouble with the front suspension which had no way to hold the steering links on their posts. Made some tiny caps about 2 mm (1/16") and managed to glue them on without gluing to the link too. Look at the frame view and you can see the caps on the steering links. Also, I acquired this kit slightly started and some parts were missing, like the radiator. Nothing I could not replace with my extensive junk stash. I wonder if I should go back and edit the mistake?

Edited September 17, 2024 by JPL-ACE

[JPL-ACE]

13 hours ago, mrm said:

Never seen this kit before. Not very familiar with the real car either. I've been to a lot of car shows, but I don't think I have ever seen one in the flesh. 

Yeah, even though it was (IS !) a beautiful car built during the classic era (1950-1972) It never took hold like the 55 Chevy for example. It was bought up and produced for many years in low production and has a small but significant following today.

[happy grumpy]

Great build, I had this kit for 6 years now, always hesitated. You might have given me the push to start it. 

[espo]

16 hours ago, JPL-ACE said:

Thanks espo, I said turbo instead of super. my bad. Your detail is correct as I had looked it up earlier but forgot most of it. Happening a lot recently I'm afraid. I had more trouble with the front suspension which had no way to hold the steering links on their posts. Made some tiny caps about 2 mm (1/16") and managed to glue them on without gluing to the link too. Look at the frame view and you can see the caps on the steering links. Also, I acquired this kit slightly started and some parts were missing, like the radiator. Nothing I could not replace with my extensive junk stash. I wonder if I should go back and edit the mistake?

I wouldn't bother really. You have already mentioned what you meant to say and that should be all that is needed on that. Who here hasn't done the same thing including myself, more than once. 

[JPL-ACE]

1 hour ago, happy grumpy said:

Great build, I had this kit for 6 years now, always hesitated. You might have given me the push to start it. 

Thanks for looking. I have to warn you, this is not even close to a rational easy kit. The hood hinge is difficult to get to work, the front suspension tie rod links have no way to stay on. the springs there also hard to align to make a working steering. The side windows are hard to install without fingerprints and smears. I made my own out of clear packaging. The frame does not fit properly and I never did fix it so the car sits much higher than I wanted in the front. The tailpipe extensions don't quite fit. I need to warp the frame about 1/4" in front and somehow hold it (I am thinking wire). I leave it now as I like to take it apart to show the details.

On the good side, the car has good detail (mostly) and extras like steering, open doors, and hood. The interior, frame, and engine bay are also quite good.

Edited September 17, 2024 by JPL-ACE

[slusher]

Great looking build!

[Rattlecan Dan]

Nice job. I think Studebaker was always a little too avantgarde for the American public. The Avanti being the prime example.

[JPL-ACE]

17 minutes ago, Rattlecan Dan said:

Nice job. I think Studebaker was always a little too avantgarde for the American public. The Avanti being the prime example.

Also, look at the 1950s turret back window or better, the 1953 2-door very sleekly styled sedan. The 53 was used on speed runs on the salt flats for many decades.

[ewetwo]

Really nice. Puts mine to shame. LOL

[JPL-ACE]

36 minutes ago, ewetwo said:

Really nice. Puts mine to shame. LOL

Did you post yours? You may be too modest. Thanks for the comment.