The Studebaker Avanti was rare in that it was one of the few automobiles to live on in production after the demise of the parent company. The Avanti II (shortened later to Avanti) enjoyed a second life from 1965 into the 21st Century, though the original car was only around in 1963-64. The seller has a 1987 edition of which just 200 copies were made that year. Neglected for nearly a decade, this déjà vu Avanti runs but needs restoring from Prineville in Oregon. It’s available as a project here on craigslist for $4,300. Bravo, Tony Primo, for this cool tip!
After the innovative Avanti was discontinued in 1964, two Studebaker dealers (Altman and Newman) came to the rescue. They bought the name and leftover inventory from the dying Studebaker, formed the Avanti Motor Co., and set out to build more Avantis. Starting in 1965, the Avanti II began to hit the streets with Chevrolet power as the original components were no longer available. Between 1965 and 2006, more Avanti IIs were produced via various owners than the 4,643 that Studebaker built.
For two decades, the Avanti II looked like its predecessor. But the mid-1980s versions brought rubber/plastic “bumperware” instead of chrome, and a Chevy Monte Carlo chassis sat underneath the fiberglass bodies. The seller’s car has a 305 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed automatic transmission, like you would find in the then-current Monte Carlo SS. As the car has been dormant since 2016, a tune-up and a fuel system cleansing will be needed at 80,000 miles. The brakes will need to be reworked, but the parts are readily accessible GM components.
The seller refers to the paint color as purple, but faded burgundy would be more like it to me. The leather interior has also seen better days, and it’s a shame that a rare car like this wasn’t taken better care of. The seller prefers cash, but a pre-1965 trade might do the trick. Restoring this “replica” might end up costing as much as a fairly nice Studebaker Avanti from 1963.
where thexx is prineville couldn’t see or find a state
Idaho
Prineville is in Oregon, about 1/2 hour North East of Bend. Close to where I live.
yes Oregon, my mistake
Oregon. Headquarters for Les Swab tire. (Big here on the western side of the country.) I really like Avantis. Dad ordered a new one and never got it. Since Dad was a fiberglass guy. He went the Corvette route. The original Studebaker chassis was nothing special. Neither is the Monte Carlo chassis. But in my opinion is a huge plus. As there is plenty of upgrading parts available. So it could become a “canyon carver”. Yes, this car has been neglected, but the positives here out weigh the negatives. It’s already gone. So for me that short little dream is now gone.
Very easy to find right in the middle of ORYGON!
If you still have it after Christmas I could be very interested. I’m a professional Santa and am booked solid until after Christmas
I’ll take it!
Thanks Santa!
Oregon. Headquarters for Les Shwab tire. (Big here on the western side of the country.) I really like Avantis. Dad ordered a new one and never got it. Since Dad was a fiberglass guy. He went the Corvette route. The original Studebaker chassis was nothing special. Neither is the Monte Carlo chassis. But in my opinion is a huge plus. As there is plenty of upgrading parts available. So it could become a “canyon carver”. Yes, this car has been neglected, but the positives here out weigh the negatives.But because of current circumstances that short little dream is not going to be a reality.
I would love to have an Avanti ll, but the automatic has always been my stop.