The Avanti is one of those rare automobiles that has an afterlife. When Studebaker shut down U.S. production in late 1963, the then-new Avanti was considered a goner. That was until two Studebaker dealers stepped up and bought the name, tooling, and leftover inventory to continue forward with a revived Avanti II in 1965. The seller’s car is from 1970 and one of just 117 built that year. It’s sat untouched for a long time in a garage in Tullahoma, Tennessee, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $10,000. Kudos for the neat tip, T.J.!
December 20, 1963, was a sad day in South Bend, Indiana, when Studebaker built its last car there. The long-suffering company shifted auto production to its remaining Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) plant. But that was only a stop-gap measure as Studebaker pulled the plug altogether in March 1966. Local dealers Nate Arnold and Altman, and Leo Newman decided that the Avanti deserved a better fate after 4,643 copies were produced in 1963 and for an abbreviated 1964 model year. A year or so later, the first Avanti II (as it would be called for a time) emerged, much like the original, except that Chevrolet supplied the drivetrain because Studebaker was no longer available.
In 1970, the Avanti II would have used a GM 350 cubic inch V8 with a Turbo-Hydramatic transmission. This car has 36,500 miles on the odometer, but we don’t know if the miles are original or whether the dial has been around once. Though the interior is dirty from years of sitting, many pieces may not have worn out from use so that the mileage could be legit.
According to the seller, this Avanti is one of those “ran when parked” vehicles with no mechanical issues. But it will take a lot of elbow grease (and probably some new parts) to get it going again, starting with the fuel delivery system. Chances are there is 5-10-15-year-old gasoline in the tank, and that’s never fun. Perhaps this project won’t be a significant undertaking, but your work will probably be cut out for you.
Being a 1970, would this have been a LT-1 350?
No that is a ZQ3 or L48. Both 300 gross Horsepower engines. ZQ3 was base in Corvette. L48 was “optional” in other Chevrolet cars. Both engines virtually identical. LT1 used an aluminum intake and solid valve lifters, among other things. The engine pictured has an iron intake, dead giveaway for the L48/ZQ3.
See all even an actual manufacturer would run Chevy power over Ford lol. Maybe someone should contact the seller and ask if the rear main seal leaks lol.
There must be some reason why it sat unused for so long…Ran when parked?? Maybe some mechanical problem the owner didn’t want to fix?
Chevy motor and Buick wheels? I’ll pass.
Not Buick wheels. They are Magnum 500 which are stock on this car.
The “Buick” wheels have a thinner spoke design than the Magnum 500’s that is unique. Similar, but different!
Every time one of these is posted I want one. Only thing I can do is forget about it, or just buy one. I think we all know the answer to this little problem ,if not call me and I will give you my wife’s phone number. She would be glad to explain it to you and it wont’t take long.
Not Buick wheels. They are Magnum 500 which are stock on this car.
You clowns are amazing.
If a person keeps a car in the conscientiousness, he is a demi-god.
Number matching is crap.
These cars will be gone soon enough, and so will you “purists.”
I am thrilled that the car enthusiasts are doing their best.
Somebody got up on the wrong side of the bed.
I miss Studebaker.
In 1970 they were still using the left over Studebaker transmissions (not GM).
Your wrong on the left over transmission comment. These cars were built using Chevy small blocks with the turbo 350 automatic. Don’t confuse the Studebaker Avanti with the later built Avanti 2
I have wanted an Avanti since I saw it when it came out…I was a kid and Car Life magazine did a story on it. Now that I’m 73, and have the money to buy one, everybody who has one (?) seems to be selling. I guess I better jump on it! (p.s. I do not have a wife to run it by)
She sure is purty
Clean body, fuel system needs work, interior in good shape, price is reasonable and not a money pit. If I had the money I would buy it.