Here’s a rare chance to own one of the most unique American performance cars of the 1960s, a 1963 Studebaker Avanti, now up for sale here on eBay. Finished in gold with a tan interior, this early Avanti is said to be part of an estate sale and is priced to move quickly. With its sleek fiberglass body, innovative design, and limited production numbers, the Avanti has developed a loyal following, making every surviving example a prized find.
The Avanti was Studebaker’s bold attempt to compete with the Corvette and other sports cars of the era, and it came packed with forward-thinking features. Designed by Raymond Loewy’s team, its streamlined shape and fiberglass body were revolutionary for 1963. Under the hood, this example features an eight-cylinder engine paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. While the exact mileage isn’t listed, the seller describes it as a solid car with a “very decent” body and a good interior, aside from a single seat seam that needs repair.
Studebaker enthusiasts know how rare it is to find one of these cars in decent, unrestored condition. Many Avantis have been tucked away in private collections for decades, and the seller even notes that there’s a “cult” of collectors who buy and store these cars, which explains why they don’t come up for sale often. This one, however, has surfaced as part of an estate sale and appears to be a strong candidate for a light cosmetic refresh or a full restoration, depending on the buyer’s vision.
The tan interior shows well for its age, with only minor wear mentioned. Details like the unique aircraft-inspired dash and round gauge cluster are part of what makes the Avanti such a standout among 1960s American cars. The gold exterior suits its elegant styling and would likely look stunning with a professional polish or repaint.
With its combination of rarity, innovative design, and historical importance, this Avanti is more than just a cool vintage car—it’s an important piece of Studebaker history. The fact that it’s available at what the seller calls an “estate price to sell” makes it even more tempting for collectors looking for an affordable way into Avanti ownership.
Would you keep it mostly original and enjoy it as-is, or would you go for a full restoration to show off its stunning Loewy-designed lines?
The most manual looking automatic setup you’ll ever see 👀 .. good theft deterrent.
The Avanti was a really cool car, but the public scoffed at it. As if Studebaker decided to follow Ramblers wacky designs with no success. To stay afloat, I always felt Studebaker needed a fancier, bigger car to compete with Impalas and Galaxies, traditionally styled, not this abomination, many thought. The 60s TV show “Mr. Ed” ( no, not that ED) was sponsored by Studebaker, and the 1st time we saw the Avanti. Studebaker was already unpopular, and the Avanti sealed the deal, it seemed. Again, like all these unusual looking cars, that will be the cheese, and not what great cars they were. Sorry, but 300 viewers and no sale at $14gs, I think these people better lower their sights for this stuff. It’s just too much money for a pig in a poke.
No engine compartment or trunk photos- scary.
No coherent description either, the word “decent” was as descriptive as it got..
Steve R
Not a automatic. Could be a rare three speed. only 60 some made.
With AC I’m sure it’s a 4 speed…because nice to have some idea where it is.
Jeff I have a 63 with a 3 speed as well as factory air. Only 11 had of the 3 sppeds had air.The picture in of the console shows a 3 speed.
Not sure why this car has generated such negativity. This Avanti looks to be a good starting point for any one looking to acquire an Avanti. Plus its a 4 speed. Would like a different co!or combination but this will do. It drives, stops and looks to be in descent nick. I think $14k is definitely in the ball park. If my garage didn’t have a Sunbeam Tiger and Alpine in it would go and take a look for a potential project for the fall.
I miss Studebaker (& AMC).
Black Tie Classics is in Folsom NJ. Not impressed with the lack of detailing. The interior is filthy. Interior pictures through the dirty glass? No engine shots? It sure seems like a really fly by night seller to me. As much as I would love to have an Avanti. (My Dad ordered a new one that never got built) this one scares me and the seller scares me even more.
Obviously, not enough info to even think about buying it!
Sold, $13,900.
Auction ended. I don’t think it sold. Yes, the rear photo especially dirty view. Not far from me in South Jersey. I think I saw this before somewhere.
Yep, auction ended with no takers.
Avanti in Hammonton, NJ, the blueberry capitol. By coincidence, I have a container of blueberries in fridge from there. They were on sale but a little bland, maybe due to all the rain?
At least you like blueberries. I live in the onion capitol and hate onions.
Not sure about onion capitol, but I put lots in vegetable soups, along with whatever else is available and fits in the largest pot. We have been a couple of times to Ajo, AZ, garlics evidently in Spanish, due to wife’s interest in cactus. Near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, just on our side of border. Nothing whatsoever to do about Avanti’s. I do like Avanti’s but don’t need a project. My life is a project.