Sometimes fate will smile on a particular model of car, and that is the case with the Avanti. Originally designed, built, and released by Studebaker, it could very easily have disappeared when the parent company collapsed in a heap. However, some private investors managed to purchase the rights to the vehicle, and instead of disappearing into oblivion in 1963, the model managed to soldier on with numerous upgrades into the 21st century. This 1975 Avanti II is a nice looking car, and due to the loss of storage for the vehicle, the owner has been forced to place it on the market. It is located in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been listed for sale here on Craigslist. The owner is asking $16,000 for this classic. I need to take the opportunity to say thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for referring the vehicle through to us.
The original Studebaker Avanti was designed to feature a fiberglass body that was to be mounted on a traditional steel frame. That is how it was built then, and how it remained being built until the curtain finally fell in 2005. The fiberglass body of this Avanti II looks to be in good condition, with no sign of cracking or problems. The owner mentions no rust issues with the frame, while the Silver paint looks quite nice. As he rightly points out, this is a 45-year-old car, so it would be unrealistic to expect perfection. The exterior trim and chrome appear to be really nice, while the tinted glass also seems to be free of any problems. One interesting feature of the Avanti II is the fitment of Magnum 500 wheels. These were a sporty choice for what is effectively a luxury car, but they do suit the styling quite nicely.
The Avanti II was designed to be a luxury car, so it is only right to expect a luxurious interior. That means plenty of grey leather, sumptuous carpet, and luxury appointments. The leather and trim look really good, with no issues to report. I’ve always felt that the dash of the Avanti II had really crisp styling, and this car has that feature in extremely good condition. The carpet appears to be free of significant stains or wear, and while we can’t see the headliner, the condition of the rest of the interior tends to indicate that it should be in good order. The next owner isn’t going to need to spend a penny inside the car but can slip behind the wheel and enjoy the driving experience. Life is made all the more enjoyable by the inclusion of air conditioning and power windows.
The owner supplies no engine photos of the vehicle, but we do know that it features a 400ci V8 engine, a 3-speed automatic transmission, along with power steering and power brakes. Of course, with the production of this car falling in the mid-1970s, the 400 isn’t ever going to produce huge power figures. With 180hp on tap, this was enough to propel the Avanti II though the ¼ mile in 16.5 seconds. However, this is a luxury car, so smoothness was supposed to trump outright performance anyway. The owner doesn’t indicate how well this classic runs or drives, but the overall condition of the rest of the vehicle does give us cause to be cautiously optimistic.
The presentation of this 45-year-old Avanti II is quite good, and if it runs and drives as nicely as it looks, it should be an enjoyable car to own. Today, really tidy examples can easily command prices of around $20,000, while a pristine one can achieve a sale price of $30,000. This one is a really tidy example, and provided it is mechanically sound, it is a competitively priced classic.
A very nice example of an Avanti II. But, when someone is selling an Avanti they MUST include photos of the Engine, Frame and (absolutely) the Hog Troughs (Torque Boxes). Please add these photos.
Good looking car and seems to be priced right. As for more photos, that would be fine, but definitely not required. If you’re spending that kind of money on a car, you’re either going to inspect it yourself or have someone inspect it for you. Unless you’re a fool, then that’s your own fault.
You don’t see many of these listed with the 400 cubic inch engine. The added torque increase over the 305 or 350 would be very welcomed.
Not sure why you’d pay top dollar for what I consider more a tribute than a real Avanti. Originals go for similar prices, so what’s the attraction of these latter day efforts?
It’s probably easier finding rust free examples.
It’s anything but a tribute; this is an original Avanti made by the Avanti company. It’s not any less authentic just because it’s not a Studebaker.
Um, I beg to differ. Avanti was a Studebaker model, and, with the exception of a few cars assembled from leftover parts, died with the company. Do you think a ’70s Stutz Bearcat is an original Stutz? I mean, it’s made by a company called Stutz, so…
Have always thought these are intersting cars. I have a neighbor, who is an avid Studabaker fan and has several including an Avanti. He gives me his club magazines, when he is through with them and the more I look , the more, I think I could see myself having one. From a quick glance the condition and the price of this car makes it seem like ,a good deal, if you wanted to test the water.
I always found Avantis interesting but not with square headlights. The circular headlight box design was perfect.
Um, I beg to differ with you. The Avanti continued production immediately after Studebaker collapsed; it was originally made from leftover parts, and they continued to produce it from original molds. Comparing it to the Stutz revival is nothing but silly; the modern Stutz vehicles obviously didn’t even look like vintage Stutz cars; the Stutz was a tribute. The Avanti, on the other hand, was always an Avanti, in name and appearance. Car snobs may not “get” the continuation of Avanti, but a cool car is a cool car.
Yeah, but you see, “Avanti” and “Studebaker” aren’t the same, no matter how you try to spin it. I could make a Rolex Submariner copy and call my company “Submariner, Inc.” but the watches still wouldn’t be Rolexes, or even Submariners. See how that works? There are tons of kit car makers, but no matter how much their copies look like the real thing, they just ain’t.
The Avanti II is NOT a kit car. It is a CONTINUATION of the manufacturing process with the same parts and same craftsman. My ‘71 Avanti II is the same as a ‘64 Studebaker Avanti except for the engine and seats. Same trany, same power steering unit, brakes, rear end, tilt wheel column, body pieces (2 added for the front wheel upper arches), and many, many more. The values do differ between the Studebaker produced Avantis and those after but, both have a following and advantages. Many ‘63 & ‘64 Avanti owners also own a second Avanti. The reason ? The post Studebaker Avantis are just much better to drive in. Most Avantis after ‘63 & ‘64 have AC.
Summer hot rides without AC is brutal and is the reason for not driving early Avantis. Investment wise, get a ‘63 or ‘64. Driving pleasure, go for a post-Studebaker Avanti.
I’m not saying they’re kit cars, but a ’71 is not the same as a ’64, anymore than a ’73 Mustang is the same as a ’65. They may share similar components, and names (as do the Fords) but that’s it. “Avanti” went through several iterations, as I’m sure you know, with different owners, different styles, different everything except for basic body shape, so to say they’re all the same is… wrong.
JP, there’s no reason to get into a shooting match over this. Comparing a ‘73 Mustang with a ‘65 is a very poor comparison. To the multitudes of attendees at car events, seeing a lineup of ‘63 thru ‘83 Avantis side by side, the average Joe Public thinks that they are all the same car. When N&A continued Avanti production in SB they were building the same car only this time without the factory BS that goes on. I repeat myself in that one chooses a ‘63 or ‘64 for a different reason than choosing a later model. They are still ALL recognized as Avantis by those in the industry and in the hobby who are knowledgeable on the subject. The ‘75 model in this BF ad is a fine example. It’s true value is between $14,000 and $17,000.
You’re right – we can agree to disagree, but I think we’d all agree that most users of this site aren’t the average Joe Public so I’m not sure that’s relevant. I can walk around with a fake Rolex and most non-watch people would never know the difference. But I would, and if I went to sell it a jeweler would too, which brings me to my original point. I guess I’m just a purist, but to me the Avantis were Studebakers, and the follow-ups, however good they might be, just aren’t. Frankly, I’d buy a shell and restomod it, but again, that’s my preference since I’m not a fan of vintage mechanicals. But I’d still choose an original for this purpose.
There’s a difference between continuation and clone.
You mean like Friday the 13th Part 27?
Sounds like someone (JP) just can’t give it up and admit they’re w…wr….wro….wrong! Nice car, and yes, it’s still a real Avanti! By the way, I don’t get the whole fake Rolex comparison. Guessing you own one?
I have a very nice show quality original ’63 Studebaker Avanti R2 (supercharged) 4-speed manual, and an ’84 Avanti (later version of the one here), and have also had a ’70 and ’78 Avanti II, so I’m not “the average Joe Public” here, and know a thing or two about these cars. That said, I have to agree with what HarVanti2 here on most of the comments above. Back to the subject, this one is OK, with a reasonable asking price to start from – but yes, I would want to see more photos (certainly of the underbody, frame and definitely the hog troughs, engine compartment, trunk, etc. before making an offer or buying this car, which, like all of the continuation Chevy-powered Avantis from ’65-’85, were custom built to order on the same frames, in South Bend, at <200/yr.
JP: This is Barn Finds, not Facebook, so how about holding it to car-specific stuff, and constructive criticism, if necessary – or none, especially if you have no real interest in buying the car.
Oh, I’m sorry – didn’t realize that everyone on this site is a potential buyer for the cars they’re commenting on. Should have been obvious and I’ll be sure to remember that. As for constructive criticism, I’ll also be sure to remind everyone who’s critical that their negativity isn’t appreciated and if they can’t say something nice, etc. Yeah… that’ll make for a fascinating comments section. Thanks for the advice!
It seems to me that there are two diverse reasons to buy the cars on this site. First, to own a vehicle that Joe Public will smile at you and give a thumbs up as you drive around, not caring or knowing if it’s a clone. And the other, to flip it as in investment and/or to garner trophies at car shows. If you can afford a vehicle that accomplishes both, wonderful. Most “Joe Public” car guys and gals can’t.