This Studebaker Avanti got away, but there are more like it here.

1963 Studebaker Avanti R2

Sold for $24,780 on 5/8/22

This 1964 Studebaker Avanti R2 is one of 1,833 R2 variants produced for the 1963 and 1964 model years and is finished in white over a gray interior and powered by a supercharged 289ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission. Features include round headlights, front disc brakes, 15″ wheels and white-stripe tires, tinted glass, and front and rear seat belts. The seller acquired the car in September 1993 with an unpainted body and an unfinished interior, and paint and interior work were performed in 1998. A 2021 refurbishment included rebuilding and tuning the carburetor, adjusting the engine valves, flushing and cleaning the fuel system, polishing chrome components, refinishing the underhood area, cleaning and refitting the weatherstripping, dyeing the carpets, and more. This Avanti is now offered with a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name.

The fiberglass body is believed to have left the factory finished in gold, and was repainted in white following the seller’s purchase in 1993. Features include round headlights, chrome bumpers and trim, a driver-side fender-top mirror, and a rear-fender radio antenna. The 2021 refurbishment included replacing the headlight gaskets, repainting the fuel filler door and cove, polishing the chrome bumpers and trim, and cleaning and reattaching the weatherstripping. The seller notes some cracks in the painted finish.

Steel 15″ wheels are mounted with full covers and wear white-stripe tires. Power-assisted brakes consist of discs up front and finned drums at the rear. Suspension is from front control arms and coil springs along with leaf springs carrying the live rear axle.

The interior features seating upholstered in gray vinyl along with matching door panels, dashboard, and carpeting that was re-dyed in 2021. Appointments aircraft throttle-inspired heater and defroster controls, an illuminated pop-up mirror in the glovebox, overhead switchgear for lighting and fan control, a push-button AM radio, and replacement front and rear seat belts. The spare tire cover in the trunk was fitted with new plywood framing. Noted issues include missing driver and passenger kick panels, a poor-fitting headliner, and a lack of radio reception.

The two-spoke steering wheel has refinished grip areas and sits ahead of a 160-mph speedometer, a 6k-rpm tachometer, an electric clock, and gauges for coolant temperature, amperage, fuel level, oil pressure, and supercharger boost pressure. The 2021 refurbishment included polishing the gauge bezels, repairing the coolant temperature gauge, and replacing the turn signal stalk and gear indicator panel. The seller notes that the boost pressure gauge is erratic. The five-digit odometer shows 22k miles, approximately 3k of which were added by the seller. Total mileage is unknown.

The supercharged 289ci Jet-thrust V8 features a Paxton supercharger and was factory rated at 290 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. Additional features include aluminum pistons, a four-barrel carburetor, and a dual exhaust system. Work performed during the refurbishment included repainting the engine compartment, the top of the engine, and several underhood components along with flushing and cleaning the fuel system, rebuilding the carburetor and alternator, adjusting the valves, changing the oil, and replacing the starter solenoid, battery, thermostat, and throttle linkage. The seller’s list of refurbishment work can be viewed in the gallery.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Power shift automatic transmission. A dripping oil leak and visible rust on some frame members are noted by the seller.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

Winning Bid	USD $24,780 by JMC2
Auction Ended	May 8, 2022 at 11:30AM PT
Bids	21

15,068 views

1,002 watchers

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