Two Cars = One Price: 1963 Studebaker Avanti Project

I remember going into a grocery store years ago and seeing a sales poster with a large, bold, all-caps BOGO headline. I thought it was the name of a new energy drink or something, but, duh, it was an acronym for “BUY ONE, GET ONE.”  That’s sort of what we have here with these two 1963 Studebaker Avanti project cars. The seller describes one as a complete project car and one as a donor car for parts. I can also remember being about nine years old and seeing a new Avanti for the first time. It looked like something from the future and didn’t resemble anything else on the road. Sixty years later, this unconventional coupe – Studebaker’s last roll of the dice before closing its doors in March 1966 – still looks uniquely futuristic.

History and background aren’t shared about these Studebakers. The seller says the two cars were acquired with the intention of restoring, but he or she has too many projects on their plate, so they’re looking for a new home. The white Avanti (with gray primer front fenders) was partially restored in the 1980’s and hasn’t been driven since the early 2000’s, and also comes with lots of spare parts. The glass and trim look good and since its body if fiberglass, there’s no tin worm concerns. The dark gray donor car is kinda rough and missing bumpers, taillights, most of its interior and other items. Its motor and transmission have also been removed, but there’s a photo of the removed engine that’s included in the sale.

The Avanti was positioned as a “most advanced prestige car with space-age Aerodynamic-Wedge styling…thrilling Jet-Thrust performance…luxurious new interior beauty, and spacious comfort for four.” I’ve always liked the clean European look of Avanti’s interiors which appear stylishly comfortable. It definitely has a jet age influenced chic vibe with the instrument cluster and toggle switches. The padded dash, instrument panel and steering wheel appear to be in good shape.

I guess the partial restoration from the 1980’s got as far as new seat covers and some trim. They’re finished in an attractive soft turquoise color but the cabin will need much more to be complete. Studebaker described this interior as “fawn, elk, and turquoise,” and if you’ve ever seen one restored, it’s a gorgeous interior color for sure.

Avanti’s were powered by the base R1 289-cubic inch Sweepstakes V-8 that produced 240 horsepower. A supercharged option was also available. The white one hasn’t run since the early 2000’s and will need the usual attention. It appears to be paired with Studebaker’s Power-Shift transmission.

This Avanti package deal can be found in Yamhill, Oregon, which is located 35 miles west of Portland. They’re for sale here on craigslist for $8,500 or best offer.  The seller says that both cars roll and will need to be trailered and also states that they’ll load or deliver both cars for an additional fee. We’d like to thank Zappenduster for sending this pair of Avanti’s our way. So, what do you think? Only around 3,800 Avanti’s were built for the 1963 model year. It would be great to get one of these restored and back on the road.