19k Miles: 2-Owner 1990 Avanti 4-Door

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.