When Studebaker stopped building cars in the U.S. at the end of calendar 1963, it looked like the end of the short-lived Avanti. But two Stude dealers came to the rescue, bought the name, inventory, and production capacity and the Avanti II would live on for decades. At first, they were the same as the originals but with Chevrolet drivetrains. Over time, they would evolve cosmetically, and a convertible was added to the mix, like this nice one from 1989. It has only 10,500 miles and would look great in your driveway!
Only 4,640 copies of the original 1963-64 Avanti’s were built before Studebaker’s fiscal crisis caught up with them. Avanti Motor Car Co. was launched in 1965 to carry the Avanti torch. Things went well for a few years as the annual production was 150-200 hand-built units per calendar. Then several ownership changes occurred and the last Avanti (the II had been dropped) was assembled in 2006 with a Ford Mustang chassis and engine.
The 1989 Avanti was offered as both a coupe and convertible and the engine of choice was a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 that normally saw duty in the Corvette. This example is said to be one of about 100 built with the soft top and it has survived well over the years. A dealer/collector has possession of it now in Glendale, Arizona, an automobile that spent much of its life in sunny California. The body looks good, and the light blue metallic paint may only have a small chip or two here and there.
As you would expect, this is a luxury car, so it is loaded with all sorts of electronic goodies and gadgets. It also has wire wheels that the seller will substitute (for $1,200 extra) for a custom set (not pictured). Its running order seems to be fine, and the seller can facilitate delivery for the buyer if needed. Trades are possible though cash is king at $24,995 here on craigslist. Another cool tip brought it us by T.J. — and let the Sunshine in!
Best looking Monte Carlo I’ve ever seen. but, for $25K? Can’t do it.
Chevanti!
Cool car 😎.. if i had a dream Avanti..
63 Hardtop, Supercharged Jet-Thrust Studebaker 289, 4sp, 3.73 gears ⚙️ 🏁
I’ve always liked this generation of the Avanti – plus with GM running gear – I’d feel as comfortable driving that daily today as I would have in ’89/90. Just so the author is aware, in 1989, a 4-door version of the car was also available – with many of the 4-door sedans offering limousine like features of the time, including a TV and VCR for the rear passengers.
I want to like it… but it just looks odd to me as a drop top. Maybe it would grow on me…? Really like round headlights better, and the belly button power train doesn’t thrill me. I think this is a great car- for someone else.
I drove one of thse when I worked at Manheim Auto Auction. I was not overly impressed with it. I had owned a 63 R2 and at the time a 73 Avanti which I still have. I would not mind having this at my right price.
Nice looking, unique, you can bet you won’t see anyone else with one.
This is the first droptop Avanti I’ve seen, I never knew these existed.
Doesn’t look too bad.
What does it look like with the top up?
And Vincent H……
What’s your “right” price?
20k
Be nice to know the miles. It’s hard to make an honest bid when you have the basic info like how many miles has this car traveled? Seems like that would be important to an interested buyer.