Welcome to the Nostalgic Motor Cars Technical Library. For nearly 50 years, my only full-time job has been the service and preservation of 1963-1985 Avantis. These articles are compiled from my personal experience and original Studebaker factory blueprints to help you maintain the safety, value, and authenticity of your car.
The Mystery of the "Bird House Holes": A 1970s Avanti Cooling Experiment
Have you noticed a series of unusual holes drilled into the inner fenders of your 1970s Avanti? Often called "Bird House Holes," these were a unique factory attempt by Avanti Motors to lower under-hood temperatures. In this article, Dan Booth explores the history of this design—from the early "progressive" hole sizes to the standardized four-hole pattern used after 1973.