Studebaker had high hopes for the Avanti when it was introduced in 1963. But production delays and the company’s financial position prevented the “halo” car from reaching its full potential. Barely three months into the 1964 model year, Studebaker pulled the plug on the Avanti when it shifted all automobile production to Canada. The seller has a beautiful first-year Avanti that is largely original and has the desirable Paxton supercharger. Located in Edwardsburg, Michigan, this sweet ride is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $54,900 (which may be the highest asking price we’ve seen here on Barn Finds for an Avanti). Thanks for the tip, “Sam61”.
When the Avanti was conceived, the suits at Studebaker hoped to sell 20,000 copies a year. But one delay led to another, and those sales went to competitors in the personal luxury space like the Buick Riviera and Pontiac Grand Prix. By December 1963, only 4,643 Avantis had been built for 1963 and 1964 combined, so Studebaker decided not to move Avanti assemblies to Canada, a fate that also befell the GT Hawk. 1,552 Avantis were produced for 1963 with the supercharger (R2), which enabled the 289 cubic inch V8 to crank out one horsepower per CI.
This ’63 Avanti might be the nicest original example you may find. That should explain the asking price, which is perhaps top dollar for a Studebaker. The odometer reading is approaching 100,000 miles, so this car has no doubt been babied over the years. Besides the Paxton SC, this Avanti has an automatic transmission, though the first owner could have ordered it with a 4-speed.
We’re told this Stude is a documented vehicle that spent much of its life on the Left Coast. The beautiful and tidy interior is from the factory, and the fiberglass body and paint appear to be top-notch. The seller thinks “most” of the finish is original. This Avanti seems to want for nothing besides a new home, but will it find one at north of $50k?
Someone doesn’t want to sell his baby
$55k is not unreasonable, a significantly lesser one sold at Mecum Pebble Beach for $50k plus commission, I’ve sold a couple of my R2 automatics within the past 2 years in the $70s.
Thats a lot of steak burgers
Hey Randy–did you sell those Avantis at auctions? 70K is a lot for an Avanti. I follow selling price trends on them–I have a 63 R2. Everybody with a nice one wants at least 50K–don`t think they get it with a soft market now.
And I used to own this car
I’ve always wanted one of these, and would pay close to that for one this clean. A 4-speed would even be better, but can live with the Powershift. It’s missing the original salt and pepper carpeting, I believe, and the interior has likely been redone, so I’d want to see it in person to see the quality of the retrim. Randy, what can you tell us about the history of the car?
I have always loved that car, unfortunately it is to far away from me. And the fact I am not getting any younger. I hope someone will enjoy it.
Cleanest I’ve seen on BF…….
Raymond Loewy designed the Avanti, but before that he designed a BMW 507 coupe, from which the Avanti took some styling cues.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Ux3CmMx42Rc
I’m isolovers on BAT ….
I purchased it from an estate, good news it was with the same owner for decades, bad news his family could not locate any service receipts or other history.