Avanti Values?

[aardvark]

Well, it's good for me, no doubt, since I own one ... but for those involved? 

[mfg]

8 hours ago, aardvark said:

Well, it's good for me, no doubt, since I own one ... but for those involved? 

  “Those involved” certainly could be spending their $$$$ on worse things!!

[aardvark]

I've said my peace.. There needs be a semblance of sanity in spending.

[mfg]

1 hour ago, aardvark said:

I've said my peace.. There needs be a semblance of sanity in spending.

Their money… their spending!

[aardvark]

Yup... Ya can't cure.... Never mind.

[Skip Lackie]

On 12/3/2025 at 9:59 AM, Footer said:

I think any Avanti that is improved on or brought back to life is good for the whole Avanti community, regardless of the reason for doing it.  Mike

Agreed/  Nicely put.

[Skip Lackie]

On 11/25/2025 at 11:37 PM, aardvark said:

Good for You and I am truly happy things work like that for You.

It hasn't gone like that for us.

I've had 67 vehicles... Only 1 bought new (first car) and I ran it into the ground for 12 years and 250k miles. I figure I got my money out of that car .  The rest were to get around but always in my mind has been to sell later for more or use it up until it gets hauled off on a hook. Since I've been blessed mechanically It was possible to do this...

Everyones situation and abilities vary.

As you said, everyone's situation is different.  In my whole life, I've only owned 20 vehicles -- and I still own half of them.  I buy vehicles (in any condition) that I want, restore/repair/improve them -- and then keep them forever.  In that circumstance, vehicle values are simply irrelevant.

[aardvark]

Where I agree with You,.. in a lot of respects I just can't.

[Skip Lackie]

Certainly the price of cars (or parts, etc) is a legitimate topic of discussion.  And most of us have budget limits on our hobbies.  But if one is dependent on the profits from the sale of a car(s), then it strikes me as less of a hobby and more of a business.

[Footer]

Yes Skip, and as a business the goal is to maximize profit, and cutting corners is one way to do that. Like Aardvark says, his profit is in the purchase, but not all sellers may have the same scruples.  Mike

[aardvark]

First off...I would never mislead a buyer.

Also during the purchase I never try to cheat or beat up the Seller on an offer.        In fact on my '02', there was no negotiation and I paid the Sellers full price..

But yes, My Hobbies are Business transactions. The two must cross paths or I cannot afford to be into these cars.

[Nelson]

I see Avantis that I think are solid restoration projects at give away prices. The reason these don’t sell is they are typically considered a money pit. There are salvageable Avantis for $3500 and the same condition mid sixties Corvette might be $20 to 25k. Maybe if Avanti values go up many more will be saved as there is some justification to spend the money to restore them.

[aardvark]

Nelson... Agree it's usually a financial decision, and I'm seeing the values increase on the  '63-4' models...(can't speak for the other models,(cept '01'-'07) since I don't follow them). A completed and very good car in that time range can bring $30-40k depending on condition and options (The R2 bringing more). These prices bring the Avanti into a sensible range to consider resto'ing if the subject  isn't too far gone.

So what if You took 2 ea. of the $3600 examples and made 1. Is that sensible? You'll likely still need to buy parts and then labor needs considered.

Mine, I bought a fine example of a '63' R2. I paid $17k w/ shipping .. It needs some small things, but I consider it worth $35k. To me, this is a ''Keeper'' but there's room on the top if I ever decided to sell off.

But others here are not interested in all of the math and spend due to their Love of the vehicle. I guess that's a personal choice but I can't do that. If I did, (as said in multiple) I couldn't afford to be a collector.

But we ''Road On!''

 

[Dwight FitzSimons]

"So what if You took 2 ea. of the $3600 examples and made 1. Is that sensible? You'll likely still need to buy parts and then labor needs considered."

This makes sense only if one of the Avantis is missing some major parts, like seats, engine, etc.

More typically, these project Avantis are more or less complete, but need the same things: engine work, upholstery, brakes, exhaust, suspension, hog troughs, etc.  They've all been the victim of "deferred maintenance."

I am currently doing these repairs to R-4228 (R1, AT, PS, AC - a desirable combination) and it is a seemingly endless task list.  When I get it to the point of being a car that someone will want to drive (reliable, safe) I'll sell it (for a loss) to someone who will take the car the rest of the way.  My justification: I will have "saved" an Avanti.

I have two other Studebakers ('64 Avanti R3 & '56 Golden Hawk) currently underway, so time is short for working on R-4228.

--Dwight, powered by Studebaker