The Studebaker Avanti market has grown confusing. Three vintage versions are available – the R1 which is normally aspirated, the R2 with a supercharger, and the rare R3 – bored out and also supercharged. While we almost never see an R3 for sale, the occasional R1 will sell for more than an R2 these days, though prices on all examples have risen. Condition is a cardinal consideration, responsible for sorting cars into the low $20k area versus the $70k-$80k range. Today’s example is located in Kerrville, Texas, and it is represented as a survivor with a host of intriguing documents, including an edition of the Raymond Loewy Portfolio and plenty of work receipts, accompanying the sale. Someone was a fan!
The Avanti was Studebaker’s Hail Mary, intended to save the company from financial ruin after a series of managerial errors. Raymond Loewy received the design commission instead of Brook Stevens, who was busy re-styling the 1962 Hawk. Loewy worked off a sketch provided to him by Sherwood Egbert, then-CEO of Studebaker. From its grill-less scoop-shaped nose to its flared C-pillar and delicate rear glass, the fiberglass Avanti was like nothing else on the market. But while the body was new, the underpinnings were from the Lark, an aging platform that would yet persevere past South Bend’s closure; and its 289 cu. in. V8 was picked from the Hawk bin and augmented with a four-barrel carburetor to make 240 hp. This car is equipped with a Borg Warner three-speed automatic. The seller notes that the carb has been rebuilt, and the shocks, exhaust, and battery are new.
Much attention was lavished on the Avanti’s interior in the design phase. The seats are comfortable buckets, with the shape echoed in the rear in the way that the Jensen Interceptor Mk I coddled back-seat passengers a couple of years later. A vanity was included for the ladies, another feature shared with the Lark. The air vents and climate control knobs imitated the aircraft motif still popular among designers. The seller notes that the air conditioning blows cold, and the radio works, but the tachometer and clock are not working.
The paint is represented as original, with substantial fading and primer showing in some areas. The seller notes that the body and trim are otherwise in good condition, though the front bumper may need to be realigned, as it is setting right against the car’s nose. This Avanti R1 is listed here on eBay with a starting bid of $25,000 and no takers as yet. What do you think of the Avanti – would this example be welcome in your garage?
This would be welcomed in my garage! Every-time I see one especially a nice one, I think why don’t I have one of these? They are just too cool! My latest project is finished and as often happens, someone wants it more than I do. Big IF, that happens, who knows maybe an Avanti?
One of the most striking automobile designs of the ‘60’s. Time has not diminished its appeal.
It’s a very nice car, but finding a new front bumper and grill might be tough. I did a quick search and didn’t find any repros or good used grills for sale on the internet.
It seems ’63 Avanti prices all over the map. This one doesn’t look rusty, and the cold factory a.c. is a big plus. Still… it’s not a bargain buy to me at $25 – $30k.
Agree with you on the asking price but it is a nice example of the Avanti. There are several platers in the country that can straighten bent bumpers etc.and turn out a good product. We use Graves Plating in Alabama.
Studebaker International in Hope, Indiana has very good, well made new front and rear bumpers, 317-462-3124,
Also Nostalgic Motors in Wixom Michigan also supplies new front and rear bumpers, (248) 349-0000
Avanti parts are easy enough to come by, but can be expensive– especially by Studebaker standards. From the seller description, the bumper just needs adjustment, not replacement. Getting bumpers adjusted properly on an Avanti takes some patience.
Regarding the grill– early ’63 cars didn’t have them. They were introduced as a running change and made available to early Avanti owners– but not everybody updated their car.
I’m not positive, but is this the car “type” that held a land speed record back in the day? thought I read that before not sure
Yes, a couple Avantis set land speed records in 1962 and 1963. Studebaker Avanti serial number R1007 was labeled number “9” and “R3 powered” for the track at the Bonneville salt flats. The Gold Avanti labeled number “9” was driven by Andy Granatelli and scored an American Class C closed car supercharged record speed of 170.81 miles per hour. In this same automobile, Paula Murphy was to became the “Worlds Fastest Woman on Wheels.”
https://www.theavanti.com/racing.html
https://www.theavanti.com/9r1007.html
I find the interior 2 tone color combo peculiar – is that factory correct on an aqua colored car? I’m trying to think of another car whose dash was lighter in color than the seats – back in the day.
All gages should have numbers on them – like these – espec the temp gage.
Odd that Rockauto only goes back to 1965 on Avantis.
Odd seeing a wooden floor in that big gerage.
On the Rock Auto website, you apparently clicked on the Avanti link, and saw the parts listing for the 1965 and newer (post-Studebaker) Avanti II models.
Keep scrolling down the Rock Auto list to Studebaker and you will find the Studebaker Avanti parts listings.
The two-tone interior colors is correct for most 1963 models, with fawn colors on the tops of the door panels, dash and behind the rear seat. Running changes were made later in the model run prior to the 1964 versions that changed interiors to whatever color the seats are trimmed.