When a vehicle manufacturer finds itself on the financial ropes, the sensible approach is to develop a volume-selling model to help it trade its way out of trouble. Studebaker chose a different route, introducing the Avanti in 1962 as its “halo” model to entice buyers into showrooms. Did it work? Nope! Domestic passenger car production ended in December 1963, with the Canadian plant hanging in until 1966. This 1963 Avanti R1 has been in the care of its current owner for over forty years, but advancing age means he has decided it needs a new home. The seller has listed it on his behalf here on Craigslist in Gloucester, Massachusetts. They set a price of $18,200, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L. for spotting this beauty.

Every aspect of the Avanti program hinted at desperation on Studebaker’s behalf. The styling process took only forty days, which is almost unheard of in the automotive world. The company mounted the radical fiberglass body onto a Lark Convertible chassis, dipping into the Hawk parts bin for the V8 under the hood. However, the finished product was a stylish luxury car with an appearance that couldn’t help but command attention. This 1963 example wears paint in the imaginatively named shade of Avanti Gold. There is evidence of a repaint, but it still retains a good shine. Panel rust is never a consideration courtesy of the fiberglass construction, but this car has some blemishes requiring repair. None are severe, and I doubt they need specialist attention. This Avanti has been garage-kept for over four decades, only seeing the light of day for the occasional show or parade. That should minimize the chances of rust issues, and if the hog troughs are solid, this classic should be structurally sound. The trim and hubcaps look acceptable for a driver-grade vehicle, and I can’t spot any significant glass imperfections.

Studebaker fitted the Avanti with a modified version of the 289ci V8 from its Hawk model. Buyers could choose from two motors, with the supercharged R2 version offering class-leading performance. This Avanti features the more conservative R1 engine, although, with 240hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque, it ensured excellent performance from a car weighing 3,340 lbs. The three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes accentuate the luxury leanings. Studebaker may have pitched the Avanti as a Personal Luxury Car to take on the might of the Ford Thunderbird, but its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 16 seconds meant it showed the T-Bird a clean set of heals. The current owner relocated the battery to the trunk and fitted an aluminum radiator, with the seller indicating the car runs and drives well. I am concerned about the state of the wiring in the engine bay because it is a veritable rat’s nest. That is one aspect of this classic that I would hand to a professional because nothing ruins your day like watching your pride and joy burst into flames due to an electrical fault. It might cost a few hundred dollars but it would be a wise investment. The new owner receives a few bonuses, including a new radiator still in its box, a spare dash, a used carburetor, a custom bra to protect the vehicle’s front, a Shop Manual, and a Parts Manual.

This Avanti’s interior is a mixed bag of original and aftermarket items. It retains the correct carpet and back seat, but the front buckets are from another vehicle. The seller includes the factory seats, but they require a retrim. I can spot extra gauges, a radio/cassette player, and what appears to be an aftermarket cruise control. The changes do nothing to enhance the interior appeal, but they are reversible for those striving for originality. The Avanti features its factory R12 air conditioning and power windows to make life on the road more enjoyable.

I’ve long admired the Avanti and the thinking that brought it to market. Being bold and daring would have been understandable if the company were on a sound footing. However, with Studebaker teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, it was an ill-advised move that did nothing to stave off the inevitable. The Avanti name lived on in various forms across several decades, indicating that some individuals saw merit in the design. This one isn’t perfect, but the seller’s competitive price reflects its shortcomings. It has only been on the market a few days, and the growing popularity of these classics suggests it will probably find a new home fairly quickly.