For Sale after 40 years of ownership…
A very exciting car in automotive history, the creation of the Avanti, “forward” in Italian, is the stuff of legend. Designers sequestered away at a private home in Palm Springs, California to avoid distractions, working in unison to create a halo car for an age-old vehicle manufacturer, Studebaker, who desperately needed a sales hit. The emerging result was, indeed, jaw dropping – no immediately visible grille, simple lines, scarce trim and brightwork, a low profile, four seats, and a powerful drivetrain all merged to create a car like no other on the road. It was as effortlessly futuristic as it was elegant.
This 1963 example is believed to have begun its ownership tenure with the same family in the 1980s.
An Avanti R-1, it is equipped with the 240 HP 289 CI V-8 engine, 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The fiberglass body presents beautifully; its deep red paint would likely glow with some elbow grease behind a little polish and wax. The brightwork appears to be in similar condition, simply in need of a little polish. Sadly, the original wheels and hubcaps have been lost to the sands of time, but the aftermarket wheels present beautifully and offer peace of mind against road hazards. The light parchment interior is in need of a detailing and conditioning, and would do well with a some upholstery work. Age has waved its hand across the interior, but it remains presentable with decent carpets, door cards and rear panels, and dashboard, in which an array of instruments are nestled into the matching bezel; an aftermarket AutoMeter tachometer is set in place of the original. An Audiovox AM/FM/Cass stereo head unit with a graphic equalizer has been installed for a more modern listening experience. The bucket seats are separated by a center console which houses the floor shift for the automatic transmission, air conditioning, heating and ventilation controls, and an ashtray. Thought to have been bought in the 1980s, one brother sold it to the other in the 1990s, and he kept it for roughly 30 years until his recent passing. Having sat for a lengthy period, the car needs some servicing and updating, but does run and drive well. Currently in Utah, the Avanti spent the majority of its life in Southern California and Arizona, ensuring no rust or corrosion issues. For more information, call 661-478-3742.
