Topic: Solved - NEH 4101: Russian home-built Avanti 'replica' built from 2 motorcycles

[Carnut]

Describe what this contraption is and how it was built as well as where it is seen in this photo from when - for 1 point:

Remember - solving puzzles using 'Google Search by Image' is BANNED on AutoPuzzles!

[Carnut]

Experts?

[kwgibbs]

is it a soviet self-built?

[Carnut]

is it a soviet self-built?

Yes!

[kwgibbs]

I found a car that looks very close to this,but not sure if its the same car,the car I found is called Virazh-2 built by V,Sokolov in 1969, it looks like a cycle car?

[Carnut]

I found a car that looks very close to this,but not sure if its the same car,the car I found is called Virazh-2 built by V,Sokolov in 1969, it looks like a cycle car?

It is a bit similar but not the puzzle car.
The Virazh-2 is pictured below:

[kwgibbs]

is it a hand-built soviet velomobile?

[Carnut]

is it a hand-built soviet velomobile?

No, it's not a velomobile.

[mymokke]

Its a Russian "home built" supposedly modeled after a Studebaker Avanti in the 1974. Built by bolting 2 motorcycles together and building the body around them. Picture taken in Moscow.

[Carnut]

Its a Russian "home built" supposedly modeled after a Studebaker Avanti in the 1974. Built by bolting 2 motorcycles together and building the body around them. Picture taken in Moscow.

Exactly, yes, though I think you need a fair bit of imagination to see it as an Avanti.  The story goes that Loewy himself did though and took a photograph of it!  I suspect any resemblance was probably coincidental...
Well done.

[Ray B.]

Here is the excerpt of Loewy's book "Design industriel". It's not just "the story goes…", he wrote it himself - he was easily bragging in every occasion, yes. The second car was the subject of one of Arunas former puzzles:
http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=11776.0
Yet I don't believe that the resemblance is coincidental, and I guess he's right here. See the general coke bottle shape that he introduced in the Avanti, the headlights, the bumps on the hood -only one, asymmetrical, on the Avanti, true ...

[oko94]

The Virazh-2 and the Avanti replica are so similar in concept and realization that I would be surprised if they were unrelated (or it's a striking case of synchronicity).

[Carnut]

Here is the excerpt of Loewy's book "Design industriel". It's not just "the story goes…", he wrote it himself - he was easily bragging in every occasion, yes. The second car was the subject of one of Arunas former puzzles:http://www.autopuzzles.com/forum/index.php?topic=11776.0
Yet I don't believe that the resemblance is coincidental, and I guess he's right here. See the general coke bottle shape that he introduced in the Avanti, the headlights, the bumps on the hood -only one, asymmetrical, on the Avanti, true ...

The plot thickens!

[barrett]

I think it's safe to say the Avanti is also the work of Mr Sokolov - at least, that's what I had always assumed. It's annoying Loewy didn't think to ask the owner's name, or record it in his book...

[Oguerrerob]

Avanti in color

[barrett]

 

[Paul Jaray]