To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVEEstimate:
$20,000 - $30,000
- An original factory-supercharged R2 example
- Only three owners since 1965
- Accompanied by reproduction window sticker
- An excellent example for driving and touring enjoyment
According to a reproduction window sticker on file, Avanti number
63R-2564 was originally sold by Gorman Studebaker Sales & Service
of Oak Park, Illinois, finished in this striking color scheme of
Avanti White over Orange. It was equipped with the
factory-supercharged R2 engine, Powershift automatic transmission,
tinted glass, power steering, heavy-duty springs, Twin Traction
rear axle, electric windshield washer, radio with rear seat
speaker, and front and rear seatbelts. Based upon an old dashboard
plaque, the original or early owner may have been a Harry E.
Ruther, Inc.
Later owner Gilbert Zimmerman recounted that the car was acquired
in 1965 by Andy Popadiuk who enjoyed it for the next 45 years,
during which time it received several typical retrofits for the
model including rain gutters and a bright metal grille. Mr.
Popadiuk supplied several vintage photos that show the car to have
clearly had the original early-style R2 fender badges.
Following front-end damage in the mid-1970s, it was sent to Avanti
Motors in South Bend, Indiana and retrofitted with a replacement
nose cap with the later square headlight bezels and ventilated
inner front fenders, as well as the later version of the
"supercharged" badges. At this time the car may have lost the
original body number tag, which is no longer present. Mr. Zimmerman
went on to note that the engine was rebuilt and a "body-off chassis
detailing" done in the 1980s.
The car joined the Zimmerman collection in 2010, and remained in
his ownership until 2018, when it was acquired by Dennis Mitosinka.
It has remained largely on display in the collection since, with
some paintwork and a carburetor rebuild undertaken. It remains
solid aside from paint beginning to fail around the upper edges of
the doors and considerably older insulation on the underside of the
hood; the interior is believed to be original with the exception of
the driver's seat, which has been recovered. Accompanying is an
original owner's guide and accessories catalog, as well as a
history file. A new battery has been installed this year in
addition to the carburetor being rebuilt and fuel pump
replaced.
A supercharged Avanti is one of the great performers of this era,
and this example fairly begs to be let out on the open road!
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mt20.