This 1964 Studebaker Avanti is far from perfect, but that’s sort of the point. As a genuine Studebaker-built example, it will always be desirable, but it’s not so perfect to put it out of reach of mere mortals. The seller notes that the engine isn’t original and it has some mechanical needs but it looks like a great starting point to me. Find it here on eBay with bids to $8K and the reserve unmet.
The seller is listing it on a friend’s behalf, and he notes that he’s addressed several mechanical jobs to make the Avanti roadworthy, including: new master cylinder; rear wheel cylinders; rear brake shoes; stop light switch; tail pipes; rear cross member; new battery; replacement carpet; and a new heater core. The seller further notes the radiator is “incorrect” but works fine.
The interior looks super clean, with no obvious damage to my eyes. The replacement carpet and heater core may indicate a coolant leak into the interior, but that’s just a guess. The dash and wood trim all look totally serviceable as-is, but I do wonder if black was the original carpet color. All glass looks good, too.
The seller adds that this was originally an R2 car that someone installed an R1 motor in. While this is a bummer, it also means you could feel comfortable adding a few performance modifications without too much guilt. Mileage is assumed to be chassis-only and is just under 100K; the seller recommends replacing the tires ASAP before driving. This Avanti may not be the best, but it sure looks pretty nice and potentially more affordable than showcar examples.
flmikey says
Sep 25, 2018 at 12:56pm…don’t know about you, but I would much, much, much rather do the mechanicals on this than mess with rust repair…and I don’t see very much on this beauty…very tempting…
Hans Grafftenberg says
Sep 26, 2018 at 5:28amWell the body is fiberglass as are the floors so not too much opportunity for rust other than the steel inner rockers commonly referred to as hog troughs.
waynard says
Sep 26, 2018 at 10:32am…and those are very expensive and troublesome to repair. Though he does say they’re good, I want to see for myself.
Jimmy says
Sep 27, 2018 at 7:17pmThe hog troughs are solid
I
Ken says
Sep 26, 2018 at 7:41amI want, want, want to love the Avanti. But I just can’t get past that sad-eyed-robot front end. Pity me.
JP says
Sep 26, 2018 at 9:46amSounds like a steal. It’s at $8900 now, with no “reserve not met” showing, but with 30 bids the price may go a lot higher. Doesn’t look like it needs much, and anything between $12-15k would be more than fair. Great looking car in nice condition.
PatrickM says
Sep 26, 2018 at 11:16amLove Avanti’s!! But, here’s the old story…money, time, place, etc.
BOP_GUY says
Sep 26, 2018 at 1:33pmMuch respect for Studebaker for their bold move to come out with these unique cars. Too bad the original engine and supercharger aren’t in it! That’ll hold the price down some, to a degree. I really like these cars.
Maestro1 says
Sep 26, 2018 at 1:35pmLove Avantis as well. Same problem as Patrick mostly time and place…..somebody give this a good home.
BruceB says
Sep 26, 2018 at 1:58pmMy memory is probably shot due to an overabundance of exhaust fumes, but didn’t the Studebaker built Avantis have “turned-metal” dashes as opposed to the vinyl look of this dash? Someone please straighten me out.
JP says
Sep 26, 2018 at 3:12pmI think those were on various Hawk models. Don’t believe Avantis had them, although it may have been an option…
Ron says
Sep 26, 2018 at 9:17pmAll are vinyl, have one. Have another that the former owner put Black paint from a can on it before cleaning the dash.
Have not figured out how to remove the enamel.
ThreePedalSteve says
Sep 26, 2018 at 3:50pmFinally………Studebakers are cool!
Really, the boomer generation scoffed at Studebakers for decades. Now we finally see the beauty in Golden Hawks, Champions, Avanti’s and many others. We now look past their engineering and mechanical shortcomings. The sheer styling beauty coupled with uniqueness make Studebakers the new star at “Cars and Coffee” events across America.
BruceB says
Sep 26, 2018 at 7:43pmThanks for the info JP. I guess I can go back to my exhaust fumes now….:-).