OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
Chassis No.
63R1443
The Avanti was conceived under intense time pressure, designed, engineered, and set for production in just 40 days. Styling was led by industrial designer Raymond Lwy and his team, resulting in a futuristic, aerodynamic coupe unlike anything else on the road, featuring a grille-less nose, dramatic sculpting, and fiberglass bodywork. Introduced for the 1963 model year, the Avanti was offered with several performance-oriented V-8 options, including supercharged R2 variants capable of remarkable speed for the era. Despite critical acclaim and advanced engineering, production difficulties, particularly with the fiberglass bodies, hampered output and limited sales. Studebaker built Avantis from 1962 through early 1964, producing approximately 4,643 cars before the company ceased U.S. automobile production. Today, the Studebaker Avanti is celebrated as a bold symbol of innovation, resilience, and American automotive creativity at a pivotal moment in industry history. Documented by a large file of original registrations, this example lived a nice life in the dry state of Arizona under the ownership of Jack and Dorothy Derby. Registrations show the Derbys owning the car up to 1972 when, in 1981, Arizona registrations show George Alderman as the next owner. Eventually, this Avanti made its way to Studebaker Avanti Club member Dot Johnson of Kansas, who then sold it to The Oscar Roberts Estate Collection on September 21, 2019. Under Dots ownership, he kept a long list of all the items he rebuilt, replaced, or upgraded. Some of those items included rebuilding the alternator and starter, rebuilding the power steering pump, replacing all shock absorbers, replacing the front suspension, replacing all engine drive belts, replacing the heater core and hoses, and installing a new water pump. Dot also replaced all the carpet inside the cabin, for a fresh appearance. The complete, long list of items can be found on Kruse Auctions' website or at the Document Station during the auction. This example is accompanied by an owner's guide, Avanti accessories booklet, a manual sleeve, and various invoice records and early registration cards. Finished in stylish colors, equipped with a factory V-8 engine, and enhanced with factory power steering, power brakes, and power windows, these Avantis proved to be an excellent choice for the enthusiast looking for a car with a unique background and story, and one they can enjoy on a daily or weekly basis, and stand out at Cars & Coffee events. * Stylish colors paired with V-8 performance * Mechanical freshening in 2019 * Factory power steering, power brakes, and power windows * Limited production run of just two years From the Kruse Auctions
For the complete description or to view additional photos, click here: https://listings.kruseauctions.com/listings/AS26-000029
