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.
Creating the "Nostalgic Rake": How to Perfect the Stance of Your 1965–1985 Avanti
Why does the 1963 Studebaker Avanti often look "sleeker" than the later Avanti II models? The secret is in the stance. When Avanti Motors transitioned to the Chevrolet engine in 1965, engineering requirements led them to raise the front of the car, eliminating the aggressive factory "rake" that defined the original design.
The Avanti Exhaust Masterclass: Blueprint-Bent Accuracy vs. Muffler Shop Guesswork
Installing an exhaust system on a 1963–1985 Avanti is a notorious challenge, requiring precise clearances around the steering control valve, oil filter, and X-member frame. In this definitive guide, Dan Booth explains why generic muffler shop pipes often fail and why authentic, blueprint-bent components are the only solution for a rattle-free fit.