Vehicle Description
1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 Coupe
The rakish 1963-64 Studebaker Avanti was among the most daring
1960's American cars, a modern masterpiece with totally unique
American styling that even top exotic Italian auto stylists
wouldn't attempt to do. The Avanti had advanced safety features
when no U.S. automaker particularly gave too much thought to such
features including a built in roll bar, padded interior and door
latches that became structural body members when closed.
For consignment, a 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 coupe showing 43,113
miles but the true miles are unknown. This is one of just 1,832
R2's produced in '63 and '64 and leading up to production, three
supercharged Avanti's broke 29 production car speed records in 1962
at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In 1963, an Avanti became the fastest
production car in the world with a top speed in excess of 170
mph.
Exterior
Bathed in Avanti Turquoise and adding a touch of mid century modern
to the showroom floor, all of the straight panels are seen minding
their gaps very nicely. The grilleless front design is Jetson-esque
dripping with modern design, round headlights and a rounded tail
with slightly upturned fender, hinting of wings that flow down to
the flush, wrap around rectangular tail lights. A long front hood
wears a wonderfully offset power bulge with Studebaker
ornamentation and works its way up to a slightly raked windscreen
with polished A-pillars and a roof with an integrated B pillar roll
bar. A curved rear window transfers its lines to the small trunk
lid just behind it. All the details from the side view mirror
supports, door handles and even badging, are stylistically handled
in a very tasteful way, and reflect the mid century era as well.
The body work, including the large, polished tail lights and
15-inch wheels with unique 5 spoke covers, is in nice shape. The
paint is fairly rough with many chips, some of which have been
touched up, scratches, cracking paint, surfaces rust, and uneven
filler.
Interior
A 90 degree swing of the large doors that afford plenty of
ergonomic space to access and egress, the panels are covered with
turquoise vertical stitched vinyl blue carpeted bottoms, and ivory
vinyl sills all showing some driver quality patina. Swinging our
eye to the seats we note turquoise low back bomber buckets in front
with some compression on the driver's side but in overall good
shape. The 2+2 rear seats in back are clean but have several tears
in the lower while side armrests and obligatory ashtrays are in
fine condition. The console races forward, and houses a locking
storage bin, a white ball handled shifter, and some futuristic
T-levers for the air controls, all with some light patina. For the
original dash which presents in ivory, we note nicely preserved
original gauges within a clean, aluminum oval panel, canted inward
at the ends. The original ivory steering wheel is in front, and an
AM radio is perfectly inserted into the vertical ribbed padded
dashboard. The floors are covered in low pile aqua carpet in good
shape protected by vintage plastic mats, while the headliner sports
a textured covering in ivory under the padded roll bar, along with
an overhead console with eight toggle switches for lights and vent.
The trunk shows usage in its coverage of gray flannel.
Drivetrain
The engine bay shows a driver quality though clean 289ci V8, topped
by a rebuilt 4-barrel carburetor enhanced by the Paxton
supercharger. There's some polished metal under the hood to help
with visual appeal and that supercharger is an exotic piece for
1963. A T10 4-speed manual transmission is behind the 289 and sends
power to the Dana 44 with 3.31 gears in the rear axle. Power brakes
are configured as discs in front and drums in the rear. Rebuilt
parts include the alternator and fuel pump, while the radiator and
gas tank were reconditioned.
Undercarriage
Generally clean and driver quality underneath as well where the
dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers just before they
snake their way to the back and exit via those large, chrome tips
that would make a muscle car blush. We note some residual oil on
the pan and rearward, and some typical surface rust throughout. The
suspension includes front independent coil springs, and rear leaf
springs. There's some residual oil on the transmission and oil pan
but we're not seeing active leaks.
Drive-Ability
This oddity of the 1963 car world fired up, ran a bit rough at
first until he warmed up and smoothed out. The cabin is airy with
lots of glass but also big C-pillars to support the roll bar and
also add unique styling to the exterior, so mind your blind spots!
The car performed well with great cornering, great acceleration,
and good stopping power. With the exception of the clock that's
located on the left wing of the instrument panel, and the horn, all
functions worked as they are intended to. While Classic Auto Mall
represents that these functions were working at the time of our
test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at
the time of your purchase.
A piece of moving sculpture, a rolling work of art, a lesson in mid
century design all wrapped up driver quality but straight R2. This
is a relatively rare car so restoration might be in order here, but
that's completely up to you. As is, they are a thrill to drive and
definitely a head turner. Something tells us if Frank Lloyd Wright
lived to 1963, this is the kind of car he perhaps would have
designed, but definitely would have driven. You too can be an icon
of style and design by picking up this supercharged Studebaker.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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