Although the original Studebaker Avanti barely lasted two years, its independent successor – the Avanti II – lived on for another three decades. After Studebaker collapsed in South Bend, a couple of dealers pooled their resources, bought some equipment and leftover inventory, and began building the Avanti II in 1965. This edition is from 1990, and it’s rare for two reasons: first, it’s a 4-door sedan while the 1963-64 cars were coupes, and second, only 90 of them were built. Located in Stratford, Oklahoma, this well-heeled survivor is available here on eBay, where the current bid is just $1,675 (below the reserve).
When Studebaker folded up production in the U.S., using their drivetrains in the revived Avanti II was not an option. So, the new Avanti Motor Car Co. cooked up a deal with General Motors to supply Chevy chassis, engines, and transmissions. That arrangement lasted into the 1990s and through several ownership changes. Perhaps to breathe some excitement into the Avanti, a convertible was added along with a 4-door sedan. The latter resulted in fewer than a hundred units in 1990, mostly hand-built.
Over the years, we’ve featured six of the 4-door Avantis here on Barn Finds. So, this is #7. We’re told this car, along with a second Avanti, was purchased new by a couple as “his and hers” transportation. They kept both cars for 32 years, and this one saw just 18-19,000 miles during that time. The “he” part of the couple passed away in 2023, and the family has decided not to keep this car (perhaps the “she” part of the equation is still driving the other one).
So, the seller is the second owner of this 1990 Avanti. We’re told it’s in great shape and well-maintained, so the photos in the listing may not do it justice. It’s a well-equipped machine, complete with a cell phone, TV set, and leather seats as standard equipment. Under the hood lies a 305 cubic inch Chevy V8, flanked most likely by a TH-350 automatic transmission. These are somewhat odd-looking cars compared to the original, but maybe it works for you.
The TV is a fun detail. I’d hide a game console in there.
Thats about all it would be good for since it’s probably analog and wouldn’t pick up anything.
This one appears to be in much better condition than the on posted a couple weeks ago. Gotta wonder what the reserve is.
These are really nice looking vehicles. They are certainly more attractive than a Panamera.
I’m an Avanti fan. But not a 4 door fan. But this is different enough to be kind of cool. IF I obtained this car, the 305 would most likely be replaced by a serious 383 sbc. The 4 door modification looks asthetically well done. But still having to get over a 4 door Avanti shock. Just like the 4 door Corvettes we have seen. It is now a sport sedan. And the only “sport sedan” I have ever driven that gave me a pleasurable experience was a BMW M5.
This is the 3rd time the seller has listed it, the previous high bids were $5,500 and $8,100 respectively. He is also trying to sell the other 4 door Avanti mentioned in his description, it was bid to $6,500, none met reserve. This demonstrates the near complete lack of interest from buyers.
Steve R
People buy Saab and Volvo sedans and they don’t look any better than this. Being fiberglass rust won’t be a problem, except for the chassis, and Chevy mechanicals means parts will be available. Too bad the owner is trying to make a killing.
Based on the number of cars the seller cycles through eBay he looks more like a dealer than a private seller. He’s just doing what typical dealers do, mark it up so much that most potential buyers move on find a better value.
Steve R
Unfortunately, everyone on ebay is a dealer anymore! Ebay is full of flippers now!
Hard to believe there were still buyers for Avanti’s when this was new. The 4-door is like spraying it with repellent.
It would seem like this seller , especially if a dealer , would have sense enough to at least wash it and take pictures on a decent day. Maybe even move it to where it has a decent background behind it. It’s no wonder nobody is interested in buying it because it looks like he has no interest in selling it. Poor presentation is definitely not going to get this car sold.
They clearly did wash it, just didn’t bother drying it off afterward. Which could be a ploy to hide a dulled or otherwise degraded/inconsistent paint finish. Cheaper and easier to just shoot it wet than trying to buff out and wax the paint.
Original owner of these cars died a few years ago. Then he wanted $60,000 ea. Don’t know what their reserve price is, but they should be happy if they got $12,000 to $15,000 for each car. Neither looks like the had the best care or stored in something other than a barn.
Ended at $5900.
Reserve Not Met.
32 bids.
Those wheels are such a turn off.
I thought that the seller should have grabbed the highest bid, I’m just not seeing the value here for a car that has practically a zero following.
After reading the comments, I guess the seller has big ideas on the two of these that they own. Thy/re gonna sit in this yard for quite awhile longer.