This is definitely a car we don’t see pop up for sale in project-grade condition every day, and it fits the description perfectly of diamond in the rough. It’s a desirable 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2, equipped with the rare manual transmission paired to the supercharged V8 mill. Yes, it is a major project, but a wholly worthwhile one considering how infrequently a genuine R2 pops up for anything less than crazy money. This example listed here on eBay will need everything thrown at it in terms of restoration, but given the six-digit sale price often associated with restored R2s likely won’t be a factor here, it’s definitely one to watch. You’ll find it in Castroville, California.
Like any restoration project, the interior is in tatters. It’s a bit surprising, as these supercharged Avantis were downright exotic when new, and it seems like most examples were generally preserved and only lightly restored. To see one that has clearly been left outside and forgotten is a bit shocking (to me, at least) as these were muscle cars, through and through – and built in far more limited quantities than your typical Mustang or Camaro. The manual transmission is the feature that turns this into a gentleman’s sports car rather than just another pretty face, but the Paxton supercharger and locking rear end are two other important credentials that kick things up a notch.
The seller doesn’t have much in the way of detail about the R2’s history, like how it ended up this tired state or whether the engine still turns freely. The drivetrain is complete, which is a big win for the next owner, as I have to imagine the supercharger would have been immensely appealing for use on other projects if the Avanti was put out to pasture years ago. The engine bay simply looks dingy and dirty, with no signs of having been ravaged for parts at some point. The seller notes this was the fastest production car in the world in 1963, and it was – a bit of a shock to the muscle car world, considering the usual suspects were still formidable performers at that point in time.
The nose features the classic Studebaker design with its homely headlights and otherwise unassuming face. The original Studebaker-built Avantis are obviously the most desirable examples, and this example is the most sought after given its high performance equipment. Restored examples sell into the low six figures, so the current bid of $6,100 puts this one firmly in the “Buy” territory if you’re looking for a project to enjoy and potentially make some money on down the road. Of course, the reserve isn’t met yet, and I doubt anyone is expecting a bargain here given the rarity factory is well documented in the world of Avanti collectors.
Too bad this Avanti still has an engine. If the engine was gone, an Art Morrison chassis would make it a perfect candidate for a 3G Hemi swap, like a Hellcat or a Hellephant.
Ridiculous comment
Buy it and give me that old engine…
Good Bones! Should be a good candidate for total restoration.
You will be upside down on this real quick. I am sure the hog troughs are shot. the engine and supercharger are going to be rebuilt. There is no such thing as a cheap Avanti. Better off buying a better one.
Don’t be so quick to write off that Studebaker engine. The Ebay listing says 59,000 miles and I don’t see 159,000 miles’ worth of wear. Fixing that huge padded dash will be one of the biggest expenses, but I don’t think anyone will be upside down in this car if they watch their expenses and do a lot of the work themselves. This is a blue-chip collectible, very rare, and with the R-2 supercharger and the 4-speed, it doesn’t get any better than that! Studebaker parts are readily available, including replacement hog troughs if needed (California car, remember, so there may not be much rust), and the body is fiberglass. This is a high five-figure car when done and it won’t cost high five-figures to restore it.
Great comments!!!
There’s stainless steel replacement hog troughs. The key is the engine and the blower.
The cars is made up of 114 individual pieces of fiberglass bonded together so on a cars this old it needs refinishing any way. This car should be a highly desirable money maker.
I just never got these
This might have avant-garde futurism in the styling, maybe; this grease monkey’s eye might need to develop the palate for it…like I have for the P1800. This year/make/model/equipment set multiple world speed record for a production car; not by any of the other accomplished contemporary houses: not Aston, not MG, not Fiat, not Ferrari, not Mercedes, not Porsche, not Jaguar – STUDEBAKER. If you’re not make/model discriminant, that alone makes it a very historical piece of art; like what someone finds cobwebbed, holed in some dusty attic behind mamaw’s hat boxes.
As a rare R2 with the engine and supercharger intact it would be c iminal to drop a Hemi in there and kill the eventual value.
This car is a great piece of history which needs someone to love it. This started a trend an is an iconic car.
A friend in the Marines from NH had a R2 and occasionally took me for a spin off base in Florida. For a small block, I marveled at the power. It hooked up very well, and he knew how to coax the most out of it. Until you experience them, they are difficult to understand. Stock, It was 170 mph auto @ Bonneville. Studebaker was just unique… and IMO, underrated. Even the R1 with 2/4 bbls. Was awesome! It was 1963 peeps! 😃
R1 was a single 4 barrel. The R4 had 2×4 barrels. The R1 was a 289 the R4 was a 304.
There should be a special place down below for anyone who would let a car like this get this bad! But it still exists, so there’s that. It would be a great candidate for a conscientious restoration, but might not be financially viable for a concours resto… If a guy always wanted one, this would be good for an entry level enthusiast
Some people do not understand what they inherit. If you inherit an uncle’s house with an old car in the garage and you move in – that car in the garage you know noting about – you pull it to the field out of the way – until someone wise’s up.
I did not grow up farming, my dad did. “…left outside and forgotten…” not likely, its up by the out buildings and on the drive way – hafta look at it every time U go by…
It would be tough for me, tough for my dad, I bet for this guy too. Now it’ leaving and so must any dreams or turn from hope to torture.
This dream is not far from some1 else’s reality. We curate them for a few yrs, hopefully they out live us. I certainly help them toward that end now as I’m paying my penitence for burning them all up as a Krazy Kid. Simple justice. Done with understanding and (now) respect for the machinery (don’t run my tools ragged anymore either). No LS ina Sprite, etc
Its going to need to need some fiberglass work anyway- someone drilled holes in the front fenders and put 1968 Mopar marker lights in them
Good eye, I saw those marker lights and knew right off where they came from.