Vehicle Description
Sixty years on, there's nothing quite like the Studebaker Avanti.
Formed from the radiant plasma of Studebaker's dying star, the
Avanti was briefly many things; Studebaker's first dedicated
performance coupe, the only supercharged car in production during
its lifetime, and with the Ford Thunderbird now more Cadillac than
Corvette, the Avanti was the lone domestic threat to Chevrolet's
popular sports car. It was also proudly marketed as "The World's
Fastest Production Car," a claim made genuine thanks to a modified
supercharged Avanti cresting 170 mph on the Bonneville Speed Flats,
breaking 29 records and cementing the performance bona-fides of
South Bend's super-coupe. This stunning pace, matched with
legendary designer Raymond Loewy's evocative, streamlined shape
inspired the appropriate nickname of "America's Ferrari." Much like
the Corvette, even the least of the lineup was capable, with the
standard 4.7-liter (289ci) Studebaker V-8 in the Avanti R1 spinning
out a healthy 240 hp and close to 280 lb-ft. The supercharged R2
was the media darling; developed by motorsport legend and STP
frontman Andy Granatelli, the addition of a Paxton supercharger
spun output up to 289 hp and a thick 370 lb-ft from the 4.7-liter
engine. Impressive, but this was to be just the start. Studebaker
had grand plans for its new svelte star, and the Avanti's
incredible record sweep at Bonneville was the opportunity.
Granatelli made his immortal salt run behind the wheel of a
specially prepared Avanti Gold coupe with an uprated 299.5 ci
engine of his own design that begat the Avanti's hottest production
drivetrain; now 304.5 ci, the "R3" engine packed higher
compression, forged pistons, and upgraded heads for a tremendous
335 hp and 400 lb-ft. Studebaker's potent R3 V-8 has since fallen
into legend, with many enthusiasts claiming each R3 left South Bend
largely de-tuned, with rumors claiming Granatelli himself wouldn't
let an R3 roll out of the workshop without hitting the 400 hp
waterline. Unfortunately, Studebaker's fortune turned just as the
R3 program was getting underway. Early production
problems-particularly with the supplied fiberglass body-stymied
schedules and led to a significant portion of withdrawn purchase
reservations. The automaker forecasted 10,000 Avanti's would be
sold in the first year, but at the close of 1963, a bit over 4,500
cars had left Indiana before production ceased that December. Of
these, only nine Avanti's were equipped as R3s. These are
considered the most desirable post-war Studebakers, embodying the
optimistic and incredibly forward-thinking ideas of Indiana's
largest and last automaker. Both strong values and rarity have
inspired Avanti enthusiasts to assemble a number of R3 tribute
cars, each with varying degrees of accuracy and attention to
detail. This particular 1963 Avanti is one such tribute and is
presented as close to an original Avanti R3 as was possible using
both original and reproduction parts. This project was initiated
under previous ownership and was recently refreshed and finished by
Avanti specialist Brad Bez at Bez Auto Alchemy under commission of
the consignor. Though originally titled and assembled as a 1963,
those involved have gone to great lengths to update the car to 1964
appearance and specification in keeping with the R3's late 1963
production. This included swapping the '63 round headlight housings
for appropriate square housings, and updating the previously
two-tone interior to a monochrome appearance. A recently rebuilt R3
304.5ci V-8 stamped "B38" and built to R3 specifications replaces
the original 289, complete with high-output Paxton supercharger,
Forged-True pistons, large port heads, electronic ignition
distributor, and larger diameter pulleys. It's backed by a
Borg-Warner three-speed automatic transmission, along with an
airbox, deep-sump oil pan, Prestolite trans-igniter, flange axle,
and cold-air intake behind the front grille-all correct hardware
for an R3. Everything under-hood presents in as-new condition, with
pristine chrome finishing on valve covers and a suite of
period-correct decals and tags scattered throughout the engine bay.
The Avanti Gold paint is in excellent condition, as is exterior
brightwork, trim, and Halibrand-style sport wheels wrapped in
aesthetically correct replica white-wall tires. The 1964-style
interior appointments are also in exceptional condition, with deep
red Claret upholstery and thick-backed bucket seats, the latter
found equipped in all R3s. Updated 1964-style gauges are installed
in the new vinyl dash, complete with R3-specific 8,000-rpm
tachometer. Even the console switches are correct for the 1964
conversion, now rounded in place of the first model year's
flat-style controls. Finally, an AM/FM radio unit with USB and
Bluetooth connections is smartly integrated into the otherwise
period-perfect cabin. This meticulously prepared Avanti R3 tribute
is a rare opportunity to experience the pinnacle of both Studebaker
and early 1960s American performance without worry of wearing down
originality. A fresh restoration that has only been shown once, at
the 2023 AOAI meet in St. Louis, where it scored 100 points, this
Avanti R3 tribute is perfect for local and national level shows,
and would be a welcome participant at Studebaker Drivers Club and
Avanti Owners Association International events around the country.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7580-1963-studebaker-avanti-r3/
