Greetings from North Jersey. Am thinking of buying an Avanti.

[Chick5517]

Am confused re the 4(?) generations of Avantis. Not too keen on the first gen due to high prices and possible lack of parts. Of the next 3 generations which used Ford or Chevy engines? Transmissions? Frames? It's hard enough finding qualified mechanics to work on older cars as it is. I want one that is ready to go. Don't want a trailer queen. Limited mechanical skills  I changed radiator/PS pump/starter etc on my 67 Riviera but am getting a bit too older to be crawling on the ground.

Much thanks in advance.

[aardvark]

63-64 were original Studie.. 

65-89ish (or whatever the end of production was) were Chev small blocks.

'01 -04 were Pontiac Firebird TA

05-06 were Mustang GT.

The 65 and up series are the Best Buy since the prices are relatively low and the upside is the GM driveline is a easy car to find parts for.

Hope that helps

Edited Monday at 08:54 PM by aardvark

[Gunslinger]

‘65 through about ‘71 are possibly the best to rebuild…still using most Studebaker parts and the Chebbie engine makes things easier.  Add to that Avanti II cars are all individual…few are exactly alike so you can modify them easily to suit your personal tastes.  After about ‘71 Avanti Motors started changing things as original parts became used up and more to the point…meeting increasing federal emissions and safety standards they had previously been exempted from as a small manufacturer.  

The down side?  Post-Studebaker Avantis will rarely ever maintain the value of original Studebaker Avantis in equal condition.  

[Chick5517]

Thanks aardvark and Gunslinger- that's the kind of info I'm looking for

[aardvark]

Good points Gun..

The generations after '64' I really had little knowledge of..Glad You could fill in.

( I better learn fast since I just bought a '73' with a 400ci sb., turbo 400 tranny..doubt that combo was stock)

[ronmanfredi]

On 4/13/2026 at 12:48 PM, Chick5517 said:

Am confused re the 4(?) generations of Avantis. Not too keen on the first gen due to high prices and possible lack of parts. Of the next 3 generations which used Ford or Chevy engines? Transmissions? Frames? It's hard enough finding qualified mechanics to work on older cars as it is. I want one that is ready to go. Don't want a trailer queen. Limited mechanical skills  I changed radiator/PS pump/starter etc on my 67 Riviera but am getting a bit too older to be crawling on the ground.

Much thanks in advance.

1963-64 all Studebaker, most parts available, highest price for car in good condition

1966-1985 Chevy small block engines, GM Automatics, Dana Rear Ends.  Avanti frame, suspension

1987-1988 Chevy Monte Carlo with Avanti body and dash

1989-1991 Chevy Caprice with Avanti body and dash.

1963-1985 models use 1955 Studebaker frame with kingpin front suspension.

1987-1991 models use Chevy frames and modern ball joint front suspension.

[Zedman]

Just my two cents for Avanti II's up to 1985, mind... 🫠..   Avanti II's front seats went to high-backed seats in 1970 and departed from the original Studebaker design.  I believe the later seats were Recaro's and by all accounts, a definite comfort and safety improvement.   Catalytic converters were introduced in 1975 which resulted in a departure from a true dual exhaust system; this may or may not be of issue to you because I know some owners will remove these if they are allowed to.  I have removed this Cat system and installed a dual.   Studebaker Frames were made of thicker metal in the 'Hat Sections'- meant for V8's, but resorted to utilizing left over 6 cylinder Frames of thinner material from RQB2596 in 1977- probably not a big issue in reality, but you have a choice I suppose.  Chevy engines have their advantages- although in 1981 they went to a computerised engine control system and as such have an electronically controlled Carburetor, Distributor, and lockup Torque convertor for the TH350C.  All these can be eliminated or gotten around if you are allowed to do so where you live- manual lockup switches/kits are often utilised for instance.  I have an 1981 model (RQB3269) and given the knowledge I've mentioned here, I may well have chosen an earlier model If I knew then what I know now.  Later 1981 models from mine had Automatic Overdrive transmissions- a worthy advantage in my opinion and a definite improvement over the venerable old Borg Warners.  Finally- I believe the build quality of Avanti II's as a whole were very good and they continued to evolve throughout their lineage.  I have absolutely no qualms with the original Studeys, but reckon the II's are an inherently better build and a lot cheaper to buy, and a lot more to choose from.  I suppose it depends on whether you want to have your car wear a 'Studebaker' script or can live without it.

Edited 8 hours ago by Zedman