[One Owner 66 for sale]

Avantis went to square headlight frames at serial number R4892, though R4130 was the car used as a prototype for 1964...square headlight frames, R3 engine, and most of the other mods officially introduced at R4892. R4130 was eventually purchased by Sherwood Egbert, President of Studebaker and without whom the Avanti would never have been envisioned, much less produced.

I've learned quite a bit about Avanti's in the last couple weeks, and I'm pretty confident that this is a prototype similar to R4130 and it's not far from my house.

Just thought it might be of interest!

[1968 Avanti II]

Thanks for the input. I tend to agree, it may need more paint work than I"m willing to put into it. I talked to my paint guy and showed him some pictures of the problem areas, and he said at least $3K worth of work depending on what we run into, and that's without actually seeing the car.

It's too bad, because other than that, it is a really nice car! I just did a search and I only found one in the U.S. that was an early RQA car. Mostly later 70's and 80's which I want to stay away from.

And a couple 63's I can't afford!

I will keep looking, but I'm not putting a paint job on anything unless I can get into it CHEAP!

Check this out: http://hartford.craigslist.org/cto/3321851604.html

[1968 Avanti II]

Does $11K sound fair, or high? I know it's hard to judge without seeing the car.

[1968 Avanti II]

I'm considering one that seems mechanically and physically sound. The underside looks to be completely redone, although I haven't had it on a lift. I've heard mention of a frame off restoration at one time. As clean as it is, I tend to believe it. The interior seems to be all original except the carpets, with white seats and black trim. Very nice for original; no rips, a couple blemishes, but they almost add character!

The steering has a lot of play on center, but I'm sure I can figure that out.

The bumpers could stand to be re chromed or replaced at some point soon. That could cost a bit.

The biggest problem (isn't it always?) is the paint. Overall, pretty good. It's been repainted, I'd say within the last 10 years. There is an issue on the hood that would require it to be repainted, and the right fender is showing some small stress cracks in front of the wheel well.

The biggest problem is the lett quarter panel starting right under the rear window where it's delaminated pretty badly. On the side below that area there are several bubbles, too. That's going to require that whole panel to be repainted and hopefully not have to include the trunk area.

So, what's it really worth in this market? I just sold my 67 Mustang GTA, and I lost money on it over 8 years, but I still got $17.5K for it. That's over book, but that car was exceptional. This is a #3 driver with some paint issues. Opinions?

[One Owner 66 for sale]

Thanks to all of you, this is the exactly the kind of info I need! Thanks for clarifying the round vs. square headlight trim, Gunslinger. It looks like I'd have to be pretty picky to obtain one of those.

I agree with almost everything stated here. All things being equal, I'd prefer a 63 R2, but I'd be more than happy to obtain a 65-70 Avanti II in nice shape for less money. I have no dream of using this or any car as an investment, I've learned that the hard way more than once!

The best thing about cars like these is that they probably won't depreciate much, if at all.

So, what should I expect to pay for a nice car (one that doesn't need a restoration, but needs some tinkering and TLC) in the early Altman years?

PackardV8, have you seen the private message I sent you?

[One Owner 66 for sale]

Hey, thanks for the tips!

I was thinking about the same thing; Body and frame condition are the paramount considerations. The mechanicals can easily be taken care of, especially when it comes to SB Chevy stuff.

On the other hand, a 63 with the original drivetrain would be ideal, in my opinion. The chances of finding one of those for a reasonable price would probably be unlikely, I assume. I also figure whatever car I end up with will need paint, and like you said, will have to be stripped first. I know a couple guys in the business, but I'm sure it would still cost me!

I also prefer the round headlight trim on the originals. When did they go with square?

[One Owner 66 for sale]

Excuse my intrusion on this thread, but I'm new here and condsidering buying an Avanti.

I've been around cars my whole life, and I've owned my share of them! I'm just trying to go into this with my eyes open.

My initial thought is to buy an early car, but those are porbably in short supply. In fact, I've found them to be in short supply across the country in my short but thorough search.

This sounds like the kind of car I'd like to have, but I have no idea what it's worth! I'm also on the other side of the country (Tacoma,WA), so kicking the tires is out of the question!

I know this is probably the wrong thread to start this kind of discussion, and I will probably start another here soon, but I'm intrigued with this car since it's a one owner with history!

I just sold my 1967 Mustang which I poured time and money into for 9 years. I went through the entire car and made it into a show piece, but had nothing left I wanted to do to it.

I guess I'm looking for a bit of a challenge. Just not a hopeless challenge!