For Sale at Auction: 1978 Avanti Avanti II in Auburn, Indiana

When Studebaker closed its doors in 1966, entrepreneurs Nate Altman and Leo Newman acquired the rights, tooling, and South Bend factory, and launched the Avanti II, a hand-built, exclusive, and largely unchanged appearance in its striking Raymond Loewy-designed form. By 1978, the Avanti II was up and running and a refined grand touring coupe, blending its distinctive fiberglass body with proven American mechanicals. Power came from a dependable Chevrolet-sourced small-block V-8, typically paired with an automatic transmission, offering smooth, effortless performance suited to long-distance cruising. Unlike mass-produced cars of the era, each Avanti II was assembled in limited numbers, with a focus on craftsmanship, individuality, and interior appointments. Inside, the Avanti II offered a luxurious environment, often trimmed in rich leather, wood accents, and full instrumentation, reflecting its positioning as a personal luxury car for buyers. Its combination of timeless styling, boutique production, and reliable underpinnings gave it a unique place in the late-1970s automotive landscape, a symbol of independent American ingenuity and design continuity. Production of the Avanti II ultimately came to an end in 1982, as rising costs, tightening regulations, and limited production volumes made the hand-built model increasingly difficult to sustain. Though several later attempts would revive the Avanti name in different forms, the original South Bend-built Avantis are most cherished and admired. Formerly of the Ohio-based Jones Collection, the current collection would acquire this example in 2022. Finished in Pewter Metallic Silver over a maroon upholstered cabin, this is 1 of just 142 Avanti IIs built for the 1978 model year. A luxury car in its day, it's equipped with power brakes, power steering, air-conditioning, a moon roof, and upgraded stereo system. Motivated by a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine and paired with an automatic transmission, it produces more than enough power to please. Faithful to Raymond Loewy's original design, it retains the same bold, forward-thinking presence that first set the Avanti apart. * 1 of just 142 Avanti IIs built in 1978
* Finished in Pewter Metallic Silver over maroon upholstery
* Power brakes, power steering, and air-conditioning
* Formerly of the Jones Collection

When Studebaker closed its doors in 1966, entrepreneurs Nate Altman and Leo Newman acquired the rights, tooling, and South Bend factory, and launched the Avanti II, a hand-built, exclusive, and largely unchanged appearance in its striking Raymond Loewy-designed form.

By 1978, the Avanti II was up and running and a refined grand touring coupe, blending its distinctive fiberglass body with proven American mechanicals. Power came from a dependable Chevrolet-sourced small-block V-8, typically paired with an automatic transmission, offering smooth, effortless performance suited to long-distance cruising. Unlike mass-produced cars of the era, each Avanti II was assembled in limited numbers, with a focus on craftsmanship, individuality, and interior appointments.

Inside, the Avanti II offered a luxurious environment, often trimmed in rich leather, wood accents, and full instrumentation, reflecting its positioning as a personal luxury car for buyers. Its combination of timeless styling, boutique production, and reliable underpinnings gave it a unique place in the late-1970s automotive landscape, a symbol of independent American ingenuity and design continuity.

Production of the Avanti II ultimately came to an end in 1982, as rising costs, tightening regulations, and limited production volumes made the hand-built model increasingly difficult to sustain. Though several later attempts would revive the Avanti name in different forms, the original South Bend-built Avantis are most cherished and admired.

Formerly of the Ohio-based Jones Collection, the current collection would acquire this example in 2022. Finished in Pewter Metallic Silver over a maroon upholstered cabin, this is 1 of just 142 Avanti IIs built for the 1978 model year. A luxury car in its day, it's equipped with power brakes, power steering, air-conditioning, a moon roof, and upgraded stereo system. Motivated by a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine and paired with an automatic transmission, it produces more than enough power to please. Faithful to Raymond Loewy's original design, it retains the same bold, forward-thinking presence that first set the Avanti apart.