URGENT UPDATE: A stunning piece of automotive history is now on display at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). The 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2, once owned by renowned designer Raymond Loewy, has been freshly restored and is ready for public viewing as of April 2023.
This one-of-a-kind vehicle boasts a supercharged V-8 engine and striking design elements that resonate with car enthusiasts and art lovers alike. The Avanti stands as a testament to midcentury innovation, showcasing Loewy’s influence as a leading industrial designer whose work shaped iconic items, from the Coca-Cola bottle to the Shell logo.
LACMA acquired the Avanti over a decade ago, and its recent restoration highlights the car’s unique history and design. The vehicle will be featured prominently in a new gallery dedicated to car culture, allowing visitors to explore the intersection of automotive design and fine art.
Curator Bobbye Tigerman emphasized the significance of showcasing the automobile within the museum’s collection, stating, “It is looking at the automobile, and particularly the automobile in Southern California, through the lens of many different media—photography, paintings, sculpture.” This exhibition reflects California’s vital role in shaping car culture.
The Avanti R2, one of only two personally owned by Loewy, features a unique three-tone paint job and customizations that include aluminum accents and plaques documenting its speed records. With a powerful 289-cubic-inch V-8 engine and an option for a supercharger, this vehicle once claimed the title of the fastest production car in the world.
Under the leadership of businessman Sherwood Egbert, who aimed to revitalize Studebaker during its challenging times, Loewy was commissioned to create this flagship vehicle. The design process was remarkably swift; a scale model was crafted in under 40 days, showcasing the ingenuity and speed of the era.
The Avanti’s legacy is further cemented by its performance capabilities, which included variants such as the R3, known for setting speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. The LACMA exhibition intends to elevate the Studebaker Avanti to the status of a true art object, aligning it with masterpieces from artists like Magritte and Picasso.
Located just a five-minute walk from the Petersen Automotive Museum, LACMA’s display invites all automotive enthusiasts and art aficionados to experience this unique blend of culture and craftsmanship. The Avanti is not only a car but a historical artifact that reflects the creativity and spirit of its time.
As the exhibition opens, visitors can expect to gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic value of automobiles, with the Avanti serving as a focal point for discussions on design and innovation. Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary vehicle, which embodies the essence of midcentury automotive excellence.
