Studebaker Avanti's 50th Anniversary
August 27, 2012 — The Studebaker National Museum is proud to announce the release of Studebaker’s Last Dance: The Avanti by Museum Archivist Andrew Beckman.The book celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Avanti’s debut and features a look at the Avanti’s origins, design process, and production. Studebaker’s Last Dance also features previously unpublished images from the Museum’s Archives. The book is available in the Studebaker National Museum Store, on the Museum’s website: www.studebakermuseum.org, and at the St. Joseph County Public Library.
The Avanti’s story is one of the automotive industry’s most remarkable tales. From its whirlwind origins in a Palm Springs bungalow coupled with an impossibly short timetable and budget, it is no small miracle the Avanti ever saw the light of day. Its debut in April of 1962 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved with Studebaker’s sports car.
In the end, the Avanti did not save Studebaker. By 1962, it can be argued nothing could have. Still, the company’s quest for salvation brought them back to the playbook that made Studebaker a styling leader: Fresh, original design backed by the Raymond Loewy name.
“Studebaker’s Last Dance” looks at how America’s oldest automobile manufacturer came to build “America’s Most Advanced Automobile.” We hope you enjoy the ride!
The Studebaker National Museum is located at 201 S. Chapin Street in downtown South Bend. It is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, and Sunday 12:00 pm–5:00 pm. Admission is $8.00 for adults, $6.50 for seniors over 60, and $5.00 for youth ages 6-18. For more information call the Museum at (574) 235-9714 or toll free at 1-888-391-5600 or visit our website at www.studebakermuseum.org.
