Re: Packard Motor Company returns...sorta...

Ennui Society wrote:

> Ah, got it.
>
> About the Avanti, the owners switched different chassis over the years 
> as well as doing some cosmetic works that move Avanti further and 
> further away from its originality. Even stretching the Avanti at a 
> customer's request called LSC in 1980s. Then convertible. Then horrible 
> four-door Avanti. The latest F-body Avanti was a final straw.
>
> Think of Porsche 911 excellent example of evolution whilst retaining its 
> original concept and design.
>
> Oliver

I spent some time talking to Mike Kelly at the Chicago Auto Show in 
February and supposedly Chuck Beck (yeah, that Chuck Beck) was involved 
to some extent in the design of a replacement, proprietary chassis for 
the "next" Avanti.  That's all I know; both Mike and Chuck were very 
friendly but still very closed-mouthed about their plans.  (of course, 
that makes sense - who wants to go divulging all their secret plots to 
one of those crazy Stude club guys?)  Of course, that was 9 mos. ago and 
the XUV still isn't in production yet, which I was told was the first 
order of business.

I did get a pic of me and Chuck in front of his 904 replica though :) 
(yeah, I can still get mildly starstruck...)  The Beck Lister was 
awesome looking too...

nate