As has been reported on these pages many times, the Avanti went through a variety of ownership and design changes after Studebaker pulled the plug. This example is a 1967 model, otherwise known as an Avanti II, and is one of the desirable early models that came with a Corvette-derived 327 motor. It’s barn fresh and here on craigslist for $8,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Roger for the find. The seller says this one runs and drives, and he’ll include a carpet kit for the next owner. The interior shows well enough, with some mild sag in the driver and passenger seats. The floors don’t appear to have major rot holes, but no details are offered on how things look underneath.
The running 327 is a huge part of the appeal here, as the later Avantis would gradually lose their luster both in terms of performance and looks. These early cars captured the graceful design of the originals, with the added benefit of real horsepower and a luxurious interior. This example, despite being a barn find, it pleasingly complete.
To me, this looks like a solid entry into Avanti ownership, perhaps even with the potential of a modest upside. With the desirable motor and restorable condition, the price of entry seems reasonable provided there’s no major rot and the numbers prove to be matching. Would you take this project on?
Looks like the seller dropped the asking price $500 from when you featured this car last month.
https://barnfinds.com/hand-built-classic-1967-studebaker-avanti-ii/
I’d question this car on the grounds of the single master cylinder. Dual-circuit was mandated for ’67.
Although probably titled as a 1967 Avanti II, it was most likely built in 1966 but later sold the following year. Avanti Motors was simply using up parts left over from Studebaker and was probably built in 1966. If I knew the serial number, I could confirm this.
This car was likely built in 1966, but later sold/titled the following year as a ’67. The company had numerous waivers from the DOT and the first several years were using up parts left over from the Studebaker parts bins. If I knew the serial number of this Avanti, (likely starting with RQA-) I could confirm the build date of the car.
I’d question the year of the car. Weren’t tandem master cylinders federally mandated for ’67? Even for limited production cars? This car has a single. I love Avantis, but not this one. Buyer beware.
Although a nice car with non working AC and other not working options I would want to have someone that knows Studebakers very well look it over, AND yes i know II’s were not real Studes but close!
The reason the floors aren’t rusted is because they are fiberglass. The frame and the torque boxes are what should be inspected.
Has this car gone for a swim? Looks like it
to me.
Other than the 327, a 66/67 would be comprised of all Studebaker made parts as Newman/Altman owned Avanti Motors exhausted existing parts before putting different parts in the construction of new cars.