The Studebaker Avanti era began in the spring of 1962 and continued into 1964. The Avanti's introduction in the summer of 1962 foreshadowed an exciting 1963 model year for
sports luxury vehicles. The period began with an emerging youth culture and ended with the
assassination of JFK in Dallas.
John Glenn became the first American to orbit the earth at the same time the automotive press was test driving the Avanti.
Mister Ed won a Golden Globe award for Best TV Comedy Show of 1962; both the Avanti and other Studebaker models appeared on the show. The 1963 World Series Most Valuable Player Award went to Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher,
Sandy Koufax, who also drove an Avanti.
Michael Landon who played Little Joe in the Bonanza series would later own a 1988 Avanti.
DW News Magazine's complimentary appraisal of Studebaker and the Avanti:
DW News Avanti Video
GM's 1958 Firebird III concept car was exhibited at the 1962 Seattle World's Fair. 
