The 1963-64 Studebaker Avanti is arguably the most original domestic auto of the 1960s with totally unique styling—a modern masterpiece that was the best American visual statement in decades.
The Avanti (Italian word for “Forward”) was the first mass-produced fiberglass-body four-passenger American car. It also was the first to use caliper-style disc brakes and—when few automakers cared about safety—had advanced safety items such as a built-in roll bar, padded interior and door latches that became structural body members when closed.
A supercharged Avanti was one of the fastest cars of the 1960s. A stock supercharged model hit 168 mph, while a modified version reached 196 mph. Some 29 Bonneville speed records were broken by a supercharged Avanti, which went faster than any stock American car had gone.
James Bond book author Ian Fleming ordered a black Avanti and liked it so much he shipped it to foreign countries he visited outside his native England. Teen idol singer Ricky Nelson also owned one.
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