*****The proceeds of the sale of this vehicle are being donated to IFOPA to help find a cure for FOP. The owner of this vehicle passed away from FOP. His father is donating the car that his son loved so the proceeds can benefit others stricken by this disorder. FOP is a disorder in which skeletal muscle and connective tissue gradually turn to bone. It is normally apparent at birth and greatly restricts movement over time. This is another worthy cause and an excellent reason to buy and enjoy this 1979 Avanti II, knowing that your purchase is helping those in need.*****
The Avanti was the last successful product of Studebaker, but it wasn't enough to save the company. They closed their factory in 1963. However, an Indiana Studebaker dealer knew there was still a huge demand for these cars. After failing to get other new car manufacturers to take up building the Avanti, he and his business partner bought the rights to build the car them selves.
They hired on the chief engineer of the Avanti who redesigned the original car to accept a Chevrolet drivetrain. These new cars were built by hand which, combine with the Chevrolet drivetrain, may the car much for reliable and easier to live with than the Studebaker version had been.
The 1979 example likely has the 350 Chevrolet engine. Then engine runs well and the car in good overall shape but will need some sorting out. It has silver paint that is in decent shape and silver vinyl covered bucket seats that are in excellent shape. The carpet is of a shag variety and likely should be replaced.
The engine starts, runs, drives, and shifts well. It has original air conditioning but the compressor is not kicking on. The car has power windows but the passenger side window is not operational. The tachometer does not seem to be reading the proper RPM. The sunroof is not operational and appears to be open about a half inch.
As the body is fiberglass, rust is not an issue on any body panels. Pictures of the under carriage appear to a solid frame and the floor pans are also solid. This would be a great car to drive while you fix it up and bring it back to new condition. Not only that, but you'll have a car that is unlike anything else you will see on the road. Combine that with a heartwarming story and this Avanti is a great car to drive home.
Please don't hesitate to email with any questions you may have.
