Some people go their entire lives without seeing one or knowing what one looks like, but Avanti cars will be going on display Saturday for the public to see.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Avanti Club of Florida will be displaying 35 of its namesake sports coupes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Gateway Grand, 4200 NW 97th Blvd., near Santa Fe College.
The Avanti automobile was first introduced by Studebaker in New York and featured an optional supercharged engine, according to a news release. Production of the vehicle stopped completely in 2006.
However, car enthusiasts keep the vehicle alive through events like the showcase.
The show is part of the Avanti Club’s Winterfest, which begins today. Other Winterfest events — for registered participants — include a barbecue, a trip to the Steve Cade car collection and an evening banquet to celebrate the club’s anniversary, president Tom Pinnel said.
Club members from as far away as Illinois, North Carolina and Arizona come to Gainesville for the weekend, Pinnel said.
However, the car showcase is the main event, featuring cars spanning from 1963 to 2007. Pinnel said he expects more than 100 people to view the vehicles.
Ron Gromoll, Best Western general manager, said people come from all over the nation to see the cars. The club is one of the more fun groups the hotel hosts, he said.
“We get to see these beautiful antique cars,” he said.
Kevin Valdes, a 20-year-old UF economics sophomore, said he frequently attends car shows because it helps pick out future cars. He said he finds the Avanti striking because of how rarely it is seen on the road.
“I try to go to a car show every year,” he said. “(The Avanti is) definitely one of those cars that stand out when you see it.”
Pinnel said some Avanti cars may be sold at the car show, and others will be entered for judging. The vehicles will all be on display for the public to see.
He said he hopes Winterfest brings unity among Avanti owners and guests.
“People will learn some things about the Avanti that they did not know before,” Pinnel said.
