Vehicle Description
Iconic styling meets reliable components - that's why you want an
Avanti II. Of course, when that also comes with a well-coordinated
presentation, a loaded A/C interior, proper V8 power, and an
affordable price, well then, this one is absolutely
irresistible.
The Avanti was the boldest Studebaker to hit the streets, but it
was also one of their costliest cars. But there were a select few
who understood the significance of the car penned by the legendary
Raymond Loewy, and they kept it going with small batch, handcrafted
examples like this 1974 Avanti II. In fact, it was only one of 123
built that year. This history gives the coupe an instant appeal,
and it's also why someone has taken the time to keep this one
looking so nice. The dark blue paint has a modern appeal, but the
lacquer finish suggests it could be the original application. It
has a nice shine that likes to highlight the artistic blend of
crisp lines and gentle curves on this well-preserved and
well-presented body. There's brightwork in all the right places,
like the form-hugging bumpers, bezels for the covered headlights,
and upgraded 17-inch polished alloys to deliver a look that's both
distinctly American and always futuristic.
The light blue pinstripe of the exterior points the way to a light
blue interior. You can really tell this coupe has been treated like
a rare exotic from day one just by the condition of the high-back
bucket seats with comfy velour inserts. Everywhere you look,
there's the sense of originality. The tuck and roll appearance of
the dash, aircraft-inspired toggle switches, plush blue carpeting,
and wraparound gauge panel with full Stewart Warner readouts - it's
all part of a very classic and cool presentation. Even the key
buzzer is still working! These cost about fifty percent more than a
Corvette in '74, and so these Avanti IIs are always a rare sight.
But even fewer got options to make them more expensive, like the
power windows, power locks, and even a power sunroof. And as you
gaze across the inside, you also see that there were nice
investments to integrate the right modern features. You have a
beautiful Nardi sports steering wheel mounted on a tilt column; the
radio is a modern AM/FM/CD unit with a USB input for your phone;
and the air conditioning is blowing cold with modern R134a.
While this car was built in South Bend, just like the best
Studebakers, the Avanti II motor is a Chevy 400 cubic-inch V8. So
while you'll always have a connection to the iconic styling, the
mechanical side of this classic is robust and easy to maintain.
Topped with a four-barrel carburetor, it fires up easily and makes
the kind of good power and great torque you want in a cruiser like
this. In fact, with power steering, front disc brakes, cruise
control, a three-speed automatic transmission, sway bars front &
rear, and brand new tires, this one really does have all the right
ingredients to be a great anytime classic.
The sale comes compete with the owner's manual, maintenance
records, and a correct replacement tach. You can really tell that
this rare Avanti II has been treated with the care and respect a
special car like this deserves. So if you want a distinctive
classic that delivers a superior experience, call today!
