Avanti: A Timeless Elegance in Automotive Design

Ross Compton's Avanti Car: A Fusion of Past and Present

The Avanti car, designed by Ross Compton, is a breath of fresh air in a market saturated with similar exotic car designs. Drawing inspiration from the past designs of Formula One cars, Compton aimed to create a car that not only appealed to the modern man and woman but also stirred the senses in a way that contemporary designs failed to do. This design was not driven by figures or profits but by the sheer belief that such a car needed to exist.

Avanti is a traditional racer, prioritizing appearance over track times. It's not the most practical or technologically advanced, but it's honest and utterly beautiful. With a dashboard featuring individual watch-style dials, the Avanti is designed to delight the user and make them feel special. It harks back to an era where design freedom reigned supreme, embodying natural elegance.

The Avanti features a two-tone aluminium body, peppered with rivets and venting. The signature 3-dot vents along the side at the rear are set in a copper surround, providing a focal point and ample venting for the engine that sits directly behind the driver. This strategic placement ensures optimal weight distribution. The car boasts a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.2 seconds and a 0 to 100 mph acceleration in 8 seconds, with a 6-speed automatic paddle shift.

Turning the Avanti on is an elegant process, designed to feel as effortless and luxurious as possible. The car operates with a beautiful key fob that doubles as a timepiece. The key is simply slid in and the Start/Stop button pressed while the foot is on the brake. Once the ride is over, the key is ejected by pushing inwards, allowing the fob to continue being used as a pocket watch. This unique feature fosters a personal connection between the owner and the car.

The Avanti project started in 2016 in Ipswich and was completed in 2017. Compton conducted extensive research into track cars and luxury 'retro-inspired' cars, identifying a niche market that was not being catered for. The design also took into consideration the luxury classic car market, positioning Avanti to compete with classic luxury cars rather than modern day companies. This strategic positioning offers potential buyers a wider variety and moves Avanti away from stiffer competition.

Despite the car being fully realised, funding remains the biggest obstacle to its production. A prototype is the next stage in the process, requiring substantial funding to ensure the design retains its unique character. The manufacturing process will be time-consuming, with many parts needing to be individually milled out. However, the Avanti is more than just a vehicle; it's a work of art, a fine accessory akin to a luxury watch, designed to make the owner feel unique and evoke feelings of excitement and desire.