For various reasons, I am getting out of the Avanti ownership hobby. This very early Avanti – the 28th one made for public sale (Chassis # 63R-1028)– has been in the family since 1968. It is an R1 with automatic transmission and was built in July 1962.
After 30 years of ownership and serving as daily driver for my father-in-law Richard Zimmerman, I then purchased it from him in 1998. From 1999 – 2001 it was treated to a professional, frame-off restoration which included new “hogs troughs” and frame rebuild. It has been lovingly treated since then. There is zero rust under it. All the chrome was replated at that time and still presents as new.
I replaced the interior carpet, trunk carpet and dash pad in 2002. The steering wheel is like new.
The R1 engine was bored out to 304.5 and rebuilt when it had approximately 85,000 miles on it. The odometer shows 112,151 miles now. The Carter 4bbl was rebuilt by Dave Thibault 4 years ago. Only 100% 91 octane gasoline (no gasohol) has been used in it, with lead replacer gas additive. The mechanical fuel pump has been removed and an electronic fuel pump installed, which removes the threat of vapor lock, and provides good priming when starting it after sitting for a long time. The re-chromed air cleaner houses a recently recharged K&N filter.
Brakes: The single reservoir master cylinder has been replaced with a dual master cylinder for safety reasons. Rear brakes – pads and wheel cylinders – were professionally replaced last year. The entire brake system plumbing was also replaced then with copper-alloy ("NICOPP"), DOT-approved brake lines. Upper and lower radiator hoses were replaced at that time too.
The front turn signals, and rear lights, brake and signals have been converted to LED bulbs and electronic flasher for much brighter brake and signal lights.
This car scored 391 points at the 2009 Cedar Rapids Studebaker International Meet.
But wait! It’s really a Studebaker Avanti Owner’s Starter Kit!
Included with the sale are the following:
Original steel wheels – four (4) – used, no cracks, good shape
Lightly used tires mounted on above wheels – no weather checking
Show quality wheel covers – Three (3) - used
Wheel cover with a scratch – One (1) – used
The following items were purchased over the course of 28 years to have on hand if and when parts on the car should fail or need replacing:
Dual Point set – new
Distributor cap – new
Rotor – new
Condenser – new
Pertronix electronic ignition - #1584 – new
AM Radio – used, untested, was told it works.
Starter motor, complete – new/rebuilt
Armature for starter motor – spare, appears new
Voltage regulator - new
Fram PH11 Oil filters – Seven (7) – new
1 engine fan with viscous – new
NOS front coil springs – Two (2) – new
Front disc brakes – very used
Carpet underlayment, carpet pieces
Red rear light and signal lenses – Four (4) – new
Red rear light and signal lenses – Two (2) – used
“C” pillar badge frame – chrome – One – new
Chrome shift knob – used
Carburetor dash pot/kicker – used
Seat belt anchors
Rear wheel cylinder – rebuilt
Rear wheel cylinder – used but OK
Water pumps – two (2) – new
Stainless engine static shield kit complete – used
Front wheel spindle – one (1) – NOS
Door latches two (2) – new
Air cleaner element – lightly used
Steering wheel center, chrome – New
Electric fuel pump – new
Fan/Blower motor – NOS
Interior rear-view mirror – repop, new
Glove compartment doors – Very used
Dash pad – original to car, used
Door springs two (2) – NOS
Chrome oil breather caps – two (2) – used
Mechanical fuel pump to rebuild – used
Mechanical fuel pump – rebuilt – new
Inside vent screens – Two (2) – NOS
Transmission pressure plates – seven (7) – NOS
Electronic LED turn signal flasher, spare
Mechanical turn signal flasher – original, works with incandescent
Avanti Parts Manual
Avanti Shop Manual
Stan Gundry’s “What the Shop Manual Won’t Tell You”
What it needs:
- Wiper switch (wipers work, they just won’t “home” consistently when shut off.)
- Seams and welting on the backs of the front seats could be freshened up. There are no cracks, rips or fading in the seat vinyl anywhere.
- Interior “C” pillar vinyl is stained and could be replaced or painted.
- Glove box door shuts hard because the dash pad is one of those early reproductions that is “off” in one corner.
- Windshield washer bag and tubing should be replaced.
- Paint is now 25 years old and could use a professional cleaning and buffing. It’s a good “ten-footer”.
This car is mechanically sound – you can drive it home.
In summary, this car is in a good position for someone to take it to the next level to become a consistent show winner. Or, drive it and turn heads just as it is.
The car and all the parts listed – the whole works – is offered for sale at $33,000 OR BEST OFFER. Includes the car AND all the goodies listed above. Low-ball offers will preclude you from further consideration, so be serious with your interest and intentions.
The car and parts are located near New Boston, IL
To schedule your time to see and test-drive the car in person, call or text me at 815-seven-five-1, four-eight-6- two. Or email me at rshurson@frontiernet.net.
There are A TON more pictures - so if there is anything specifically you'd like to take a closer look at, LET ME KNOW.
Thank you for your interest.
