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In Bob’s Avanti Registry there are some photos of my car with a previous owner, Mike Valenti. Several changes have been made since then. One photo shows a supercharger on the engine, and the hood was customized with a second “gunsight” to provide space. Mr. Valentine lived in Florida, passed, and I have been unable to find any paperwork on the original car. Nostalgic has no record. Mine was one of the last built before Blake started the Anniversary cars, so sometimes wonder if there was some factory customization. If the 305 does have the least horsepower, it still has enough power to go to coffee and a few local car shows! Happy Memorial Day. Mike

Now I’m just assuming a R3 from the factory would be the fastest Avanti. Maybe a 300 hp 327 would be right there. What would be the slowest? 400 2 barrel or my 305? Hard to get real comparable horsepower numbers. Mike

The president of the local SDC has a 57 Silver Hawk with a flathead. Surprised to see that when he opened the hood.

As Studebaker’s days were waning and engine supplies dwindling, Avantis were offered with the venerable flat head six for export, although the discounted option was never documented.

The brake light on the dash between the speedometer and tac has decided to come on. Reservoir is full. Brake pedal good. Is there a sensor on the proportioning valve or maybe a bad switch on the emergency brake handle? Thanks, Mike

Checker Cab - and they knew ugly!

Nostalgic is in Wixom Michigan. Would that be drivable for you? He sometimes has cars for sale.

Any idea on how many came from the factory with a manual 3 speed? Don’t get the logic. Seems like the correct number should be zero! Mike

If the engine bay is that bad what does the frame look like?

Plasma cutter?

I do kind of like the added visibility of two rear signal lights blinking instead of just one. The problem is, you can have all the visibility in the world and it won’t protect you from impaired drivers or the people staring at their phones. Safe driving! Mike

I did that with mine. Got the replacement lenses from Nostalgic. Also replaced bulbs with LEDs. Backup lights are way better. Mike

Is it just a glue on? Should be easy to find one of those.

No flat panels?

These are from Bob Johnstone’s Avanti registry. The car has possibly been sold to someone in Oregon. Mike

I have some original brochures that came with R2696. Be glad to mail them to the current owner. Bob Johnstone shows the last owner in Ontario Canada but not in the AOAI registry. Mike

Don’t know about rebuilding an original but Crutchfield has retro radios. Mike https://www.crutchfield.com/shopsearch/retro_radio.html

It seems like I can get a whiff of exhaust in my car but only when going down the road with the windows down. I’m wondering if the same great aerodynamics that don’t allow any buffeting with the windows down also allow the exhaust to work its way into the cab. Anyone else noticed this? Mike

Crutchfield has retro units and they are pretty knowledgeable and helpful on the phone. Mike

What size tires and wheels are on it?

If only Dan at Nostalgic had time to make “how to” videos out of his treasure chest of knowledge. Thanks for doing that Blazest. Mike

Read paragraph 1.

I admire folks that put in the effort to bring their car to a concours level, and maybe that is good for a Studebaker. I’ve seen beautifully modified Avanti II’s go for big bucks. Guess it depends if the buyer wants to drive the car or show it. Most of the people at the local car shows I’ve taken my car to have never seen one, tell me it was built in Canada or some other urban legend. I’m guessing 99% of people have no idea what original even is. I like them all! Mike

Looks like your rear leaf springs are good and up to specs?

I’m guessing that Avanti would buy the Magnums as needed and then just put their center caps on. Mine have Magnum 500 center caps, so likely aftermarket. Probably all the same except for some reason apparently some fit the Turners and some don’t. I’ve always liked the look of the Magnums. Hogtrough, yours look good with the raised white letters. Mike