The Avanti almost certainly holds a unique place in automotive history. It is one of the few models that have soldiered on in production for decades after the company that spawned it sank into bankruptcy. In fact, it was a model that seemed doomed because not only did Studebaker collapse under a mountain of debt, but several subsequent companies that produced the Avanti suffered the same fate. Today, the Avanti has become something of a cult classic, and while it doesn’t command huge values, good ones remain an affordable alternative that many people view with great affection. This 1984 Avanti is a rare Touring Coupe that is in desperate need of restoration. It appears that the owner has placed it in the too-hard basket, so he has listed it for sale here on eBay. It is located in Mt. Holly, Vermont, and bidding has reached $1,740 in a No Reserve auction.

Production figures that I have located seem to gel with the owner’s claim that this is 1-of-50 examples of the Avanti Touring Coupe produced during the 1984 model year. Being a handbuilt classic, production numbers were never high, and less than 200 examples across all variants rolled out of the factory in 1984. That rarity also extends to the color, with the owner claiming that this is 1-of-11 to wear Dark Blue paint. The 1984 model year was one of disaster for the company on the paint front. They had signed a deal for a new paint supplier in Ditzler Deltron, and to their horror, they discovered that this new urethane paint didn’t bond to the fiberglass correctly after they had delivered many of the cars. This led to a situation where owners returned cars under warranty to have the original paint stripped, and a new coat applied. It isn’t clear whether this is a returned vehicle, but the marked deterioration in the finish indicates that the panels will need to be stripped as part of the restoration process. The trim looks like it is a restorable proposition, while the glass is also presentable. The big question with this Avanti is going to be the health of the frame. These could be prone to issues, but the owner doesn’t mention any problems in the listing. However, only an in-person inspection will determine its structural integrity. Replacement frame pieces are readily available, but the buyer will need to assess whether it will be a financially viable project if the frame has significant issues.

While the Avati was a personal luxury car, the 1984 Touring Coupe took those luxury leanings to a higher level. All vehicles featured interiors trimmed in leather, including on the beautiful Recaro seats. Both front seats featured heating and power operation, while the Touring Coupe included power windows, power locks, and air conditioning. This Avanti’s interior has seen better days, and the buyer will be facing a complete retrim. This is likely to be an expensive process, and the seats will almost certainly require the attention of a specialist if the new covers are to fit correctly. The dash and console look like they might be salvageable, but the carpet is beyond help. The original and distinctive wheel is missing, and sourcing a replacement could prove impossible. That means that the buyer might be faced with opting for an appropriate aftermarket wheel as part of the refurbishment process. The owner doesn’t offer any engine photos, but we know that the car is powered by a 180hp version of Chevrolet’s 305ci V8 backed by an automatic transmission. In its prime, it would have left the Avanti capable of covering the ¼ mile in 17.6 seconds. It’s worth noting that this classic isn’t roadworthy, although the owner has been able to coax the motor to life on starting fluid. The health of the transmission and brakes is unknown, but as many of these components came straight from the Chevrolet parts catalog, sourcing replacement items should be easy and inexpensive.

I would love to think that someone will grab this 1984 Avanti Touring Coupe and return it to its former glory. That it has already received forty-six bids suggests that a few people are willing to give it a go. The process will be a long one, and I believe that it will need to be undertaken by someone capable of performing most of the work themselves to remain financially viable. Do you feel that you could be up to the challenge, or will you pass on this one?