You don’t just casually refer to a car as the “fastest production vehicle in the world.” That’s the kind of claim almost everyone will expect you to back up. And while the Studebaker-built Avanti didn’t exactly have the appearance of a sporting car, the supercharged R2 model could indeed back up those performance claims. In general, the rushed nature of production and the limited cash reserves make the Avanti’s very existence rather incredible, but to also find a way to produce a legitimately high-performance model at the same time deserves all of our respect. Check out this barn find Avanti R2 here on eBay with bids to $14K and no reserve.
This Avanti R2 is offered by Barn Finds reader and YouTuber Lance Bush from Turnin’ Rust. The car is described as a legitimate barn find with original paint and a nicely patina’d fiberglass exterior. Finding a first-generation Avanti in any condition is a rare discovery; securing an original supercharged example with no obvious body damage is downright incredible. When it was new, the R2’s performance was shocking, to the point that it threatened the Corette as being America’s top sports car. With an optional 4-speed manual and limited slip differential, the R2 checked all the boxes of being a polished GT, even it was more of a luxury car than raw sports model.
The supercharger bumped the already powerful 4.7L 289 V8 engine to a very respectable 290 horsepower. The improved torque rating was almost more impressive, with 303 lb.-ft. on tap. The installation of the Paxton-sourced supercharger didn’t add much to the MSRP, either, with the window sticker showing a modest $210 increase for all that additional twist. Just over 1,830 R2s were produced in 1963 and 1964, so even with the reasonable cost of entry, the R2 wasn’t a huge seller. The seller notes that the previous owner of this Avanti R2 performed an engine rebuild with some sensible upgrades including “..030″ overbore, turned crank, tri-metal bearings, hypereutectic pistons, and a performance camshaft.”
The striking red leather interior is in incredible condition, and design of the Avanti cabin was another surprise given the accelerated production schedule and limited cash flow. The optional 3-speed automatic is said to shift well, and the listing notes that some fluid was added after years’ of sitting. Other repairs include a fuel system refresh and a rebuilt distributor, but the seller notes that the rubber components in the suspension are tired. While he recommends trailering it to its new home, Lance also points out that it has been gone through to make it a runner, so hopefully the next owner has a short road ahead of them to simply button it up and enjoy.
I remembered reading about these Avanti R2’s back in the day…fast and pretty rare even back then. Certainly different from the street chasers of the day…but I just never could get past that front-end design…not my thing I guess…but good luck on the sale.
I agree with Jeff. I don’t care how fast it is, that hideous front end spoils everything.
The front end was a techonogical revolution.
Loewy dispensed with the traditional grille, a relic of the Model T era, and smoothed over the front, improving the aerodynamics of the world’s fastest production car.
Air to cool the radiator. passed under the front bumper.
This is the system used by every high performance sedan in the world today; and yes Virginia, those prestigious Benz, Rolls, Bentley, and Audi grilles are decorative clichés that have not had any function other than to entice customers in the showroom since the 1960s,
The center B-pillar was part of a roll-over protection roof structure. The chamfered rear fender design was “borrowed” by Tom Tjaarda for the Corvette Rondine show car and the Fiat 124 Spyder.
I love it. Always wanted an Avanti.
I miss Studebaker.
If I’m correct, AVANTE translates to *Forward * or *Ahead * and the STUDEBAKER Avanti was an effort to move ahead as perhaps the last chance. Not sure who designed it. A brave effort, though very divisive. Not my taste, but like others, a sad reminder of the death of so many storied Marques. First, the Independents, then DeSoto, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Mercury, all Chrysler Corp cars. Now we are awash in bloated SUVS at BLOATED prices. 🎵 Gee Our Old LaSalle ran great! 🎶 Those WERE the DAYS! 🎵
I checked. Chief Designer was Raymond Loewy, long time Studebaker Designer, famous for the coupes. There is a lot of information available. Check it out. If I can find it, everyone can! As I’ve mentioned before, *Last Days In The Bunker * tells the story of Studebakers Final attempt to survive.
Loewy was chief of the Avanti design team but didn’t have much of his own hand in the actual design work, which was done by Tom Kellogg, Bob Andrews, and John Ebstein under Loewy’s supervision and consultation.
“What kind of electric car is this?’ they will ask you in the Walmart parking lot.
No A/C since under the hood space for supercharger or A/C but not both. There might be a way to adapt a Vintage Air system, much smaller than A/C back in the ’60’s, maybe an electically driven compressor in the trunk a la early versions by GM and Ford. This is the one to have!
There was a gorgeous one at Moda Miami this spring. It was for sale but being supercharged, it did not have AC.
I told the owner that in Florida, what he had was a mobile sauna with an induction oven grill for seats. Black vinyl is not compatible with life in Florida.
Well, lots of cars to comment on BF today, and I simply can’t resist throwing in my two cents on this one. I have been enamored with these since they were introduced, and even as a 13 year old fledgling car person I knew enough to know that they were special. Now, as then, I find very little to fault about these. About the only negative I would offer on this particular one is the lack of a 4 speed. This is an important part of automotive history.
Count me as enamored: 14YO in 1962, I rode my bike up Fairfield Avenue to the Studbaker dealer. The Avanti was in the showroom covered in a tarp before the official unveiling. Then, when I returned, they let me sit in it, didn’t just kick out some googly-eye kid. the switches overhead on the roof were also a real grabber for me then. I would have one in my Jay Leno-style car collection, but the collection only exists as a wish list now.
I always wanted one. And bought one to restore–mostly mechanicals– 5 years ago. 1963 R2. Those with no eye for its iconic design may not like it. Can`t call anything on an Avanti–not Avante–hideous. These cars have so many cool design features, inside and outside. Seats were vinyl not leather. Dashboard and gauges are very cool. You can`t appreciate one until you see a nice one in person. I only care for the original Studebaker 63 and 64s.
What a deal someone may have, I think. Three days to go. This is better than many overpriced GM cars and also the Ford Bronco. Replace tires and just do a good cleaning, do the front suspension bits. Unknown is the condition of things like the supercharger after sitting. The dealer seems forthright about needs and having it trailered before working out. The interior looks nice, paint can wait.
I always loved the design of this car. I had one back in 1964. Mine was made by AMT but that’s all this 10 year old could afford back then.
I showed this one to Grampa. He smiled when he saw it. Said he once got to drive a SC one with a four speed . Said it was pretty wonderful, but even by the late 70s, still out of his price range.
Awesome cars that showed what Studebaker could do. Shame that it was too little, too late.
On August 22, 1996 Jim Lange drove his twin-turbo Studebaker Avanti, to a record-setting 211.929 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats. His record got his name into the famed 200 MPH Club. His Avanti was nicknamed “Due Cento, the Next Generation” after the record breaking car driven by Andy Granatelli in 1963.
Jim Lange was a great person, unassuming owner of an electric motor shop in Effingham, IL, and a real Avanti fan…
Sold for 19.5K.