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Call me biased but I am extremely happy with my '66. The engine, frame and body were in fairly good shape when I bought it, interior not so much. But, frame on restoration later, it came out nice. Added Turner brakes up front and a GM 700R4 transmission which holds the RPM down around 2150-2200 at 70mph. (From the factory, the early II's had the Studebaker transmission.) The 327 has good power, is easy to work on and parts are readily available. The 700R4 needs a couple of kits to control shifting by throttle only as it was originally designed for computer control. As I understand it, that transmission was made for the heavy GM sedans of that era and the 1st gear ratio is low to get the heavy cars moving. If you entertain putting in a GM transmission, there are a couple of other options available. Others on this forum could chime in on this. Concerning your car, it sounds like a good buff job on the paint might go a long way to making it presentable. As said above, these cars seem undervalued on the market. I have more in my car than I'll ever get out of it but I've never seen a Brink's armored truck in a funeral parade. Like you, I hate to see any Avanti die. Good luck.

I have always owned 63s. My friend emailed me from Bosnia, yes Bosnia this morning about this 66. # 074 out of 377 produced. Contacted the present owner, who said car was all original. Owner passed away 5 years ago. car had a cover on it which rotted off then another that also rotted off. Hasn't run in 5 years, car is turquoise, with a turquoise dash, turquoise seats with black inlays, stock wheel covers. P/W, A/C, Am/Fm. Comes from a salt free area, so hopefully troughs are good. I purchased the car today, Because, it is an Avanti, all original. If it's not worth restoring, I'll break it up, but I really hate to do that. Thought, the fact that it had the GM drive train, it would be a good candidate for a rod, still has the ultimate body style, but with the cost of a GM power plant and trans. Maybe when I get it home, I'll see whether i want to tackle the job or offer it for sale to someone who has more ambition, time, and money than myself, with all my projects. I hate to see any Avanti become a donor, especially for a complete original car. If there is any interest in it, please feel free to contact me. Love to see it be saved.

Nelson i will be here until Saturday. I did bring the fan shroud. Steve.

Very nice! Well thought out. It belongs there ...

Might be a to more fun to drive.... 2.5" exhaust / 300 HP ... 3200 curb weight

I gave up trying to rebuild the Dunlop calipers. bought these Cobalt calipers and pads from Bob Ziff at Avanti parts & restoration. They are an upgraded design while keeping the original external design. These were designed and marketed to the Jaguar XKE enthusiast. but they also work on our Avanti's. My car is not yet together enough for the road so I can't as yet speak to their performance, .

To be straight...few Avanti II automobiles carry great value. It shouldn't be that way but it's the truth. Having said that...an early Avanti II such as a '66 is a great car for restoration...few emissions devices to deal with...lots of performance from the Corvette 327 engine...pretty simple compared to later cars. Outside of the engine and a few other pieces it's all Studebaker and most parts are pretty easily sourced...outside of some Avanti specific trim. Depending on the condition of the frame and hog troughs it would be a fine candidate to rebuild. I've advocated that any Avanti that can be rebuilt should be rebuilt...but I'm realistic enough to know that's that not always economically possible and we do need parts cars to keep other Avantis on the road.

At the very least that stuck front wheel brake cylinder assy. needs to be removed and inspected… The piston can usually be blown out with air pressure… but be careful doing that, and wear safety glasses.

Having a problem with brakes dragging ,and not retracting.I have had no previous issues,pads are like new. The fluid does look strange,was fine last time I checked but now front resivour is clear but darkish,and the rear looks to be not clear and a light brownish. Retracted the pads using my c clamp put the caliper back on ,pushed the pedal only inside piston moves ,buy the way only having trouble on driver's side. What's your opinions or options,can I rebuild these originals, flush and change fluids and lines?

Is the 66 Avanti a desirable car for restoration. Do they have much of a resale market. Thanks

Steve. I won’t be there until Wednesday.. getting a late start

I will be there also. Am looking forward to meeting other members of the AOAI. Steve.

Here’s some food for thought….. Over the years many Studebaker Avantis have had Chevy engines swapped into them…. Has anyone ever heard of a Studebaker V8 being swapped into an Avanti ll?

My car is an early 63 gold with elk interior and I always thought it had salt and pepper carpet but when I was replacing it I found the portion under the seats was solid black.

Well I'll be darned! But not surprised. The all-black carpet was available in '63 only with a Fawn & Elk interior AND with either a Gold or Red exterior. So, probably not very many cars.

Yes, that's curious. Maybe there will be just the two of us there.

‘Uncle’?

I’m curious. Nobody seems to mention anything about going. I’ll be there for what that’s worth😬

Has anybody noticed on some of the original all black carpet cars, that it fades into the speckled or salt and pepper? They were so tight on money that they were dying their inventory instead of just making black from virgin carpet.

I used an old “S” insert as a pattern. An engraver did the lettering on a black background and cut the piece to size. Made a mold with some silicone molding goop, then poured liquid plastic in the mold over the engraved plastic. Lots of trial and error, but finally got one that was decent. Mike

Footer… I don’t know how you did it… but that insert is BEAUTIFUL!!

I liked the look of the ornament but instead of the “S” insert I made my own paying homage to the designer of the car. I also added the pirate buckles on the quarter panels but just left the inserts plain black. Mike

I put one on my Massey Grey tractor once, as I had a few spares.