http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3628142340&category=7298
This is a pretty close copy of the original Avatar. IIRC it came out shortly after the Avatar, so I would guess this was made in the mid '80's, which is pretty old for a recumbent.
IIRC this is not the original Via frame design, certainly not the one I am familiar with. The original photo I saw years ago might have been a prototype or something. This frame actually makes more sense.
The bike is not at the same level as the Avatar - it has _much_ simpler engineering, and cheaper components; especially perhaps the brakes. The Avatar had canti's. Also TA cranks.
Note the antique components: 15 speed, 27" rear wheel....
I don't know the owner and have no financial interest in this, I just thought it was interesting.
johnriley1 (at) rogers.com