The Avanti was designed for Studebaker by Raymond Loewy, regarded as the father of modern Industrial Design. This historically significant 1963 Avanti was presented to Rodger Ward, an American auto racing icon, for winning the 1962 Indianapolis 500. Ward was also declared by Studebaker to be the first Avanti owner, but production problems delayed the presentation to well after race day. The car they finally gave him was a supercharged model, which was not available with air-conditioning. Ward, however, wanted to use the car as a daily driver at his home in California and therefore requested they replace it with an air-conditioned model. This Avanti, chassis no. 63R1034, is the car that Studebaker finally presented to Rodger Ward for winning the 1962 Indianapolis 500, with the requested air-conditioning and a floor-mounted “powershift” automatic transmission. It still retains the metal dash plaque which reads “Presented to Rodger Ward 1962 ‘500’ Winner.” The Avanti is equipped with the 289 cu. in. V-8 Studebaker engine, with a Carter AFB four-barrel carburetor, which produces 280 bhp. Rodger equipped his Avanti with an aluminum racing-type radiator and Halibrand magnesium wheels similar to those he used on his race cars. With its stunning presentation and unique history, this 1963 Studebaker Avanti would make an excellent addition to any collection.