1st year Avanti 2

[K-Hawk]

What was the first year that the Avanti 2 was built?
Were any Avanti 2 built with Studebaker technology?
What was the 1st year that the Avanti 2 was built on the chevy platform

[Warren Webb]

It has been said there were 5 or 6 Avanti II's built in 65. I dont know if they were registered as 65's or 66's.

All Avanti II's (at least the early ones) used "Studebaker Technology". The main difference was the engine & eliminating the "rake"

Cant say for certain the first year the Monte Carlo chassis was used.

[cruiser]

The 1987 and 1988 Avanti II's used the Monte Carlo frame . There were 346 cars
built over those two model years .

The Avanti II's from 1966 through to at least 1983 were Studebaker based in that
they were all built on the 1964 Daytona Convertible frame . So the only major
differences were the GM engines and transmissions . The only other 'major' changes
would be the use of specified 'aftermarket' wheels such as the 'Magnum 500's' which
were popular as well as the insert 'filler' panel addition in the front guard wheel lips .
The pronounced 'rake' of the original Avanti body was eliminated due to the new engine
and tranny combo , thus requiring the filler panel to be inserted .

Production of 1965 Avanti's was 56 . Production of 1966 Avanti's was 60 . For 1967 there
were only 41 but the next year they hit 100 out the door .

CRUISER

[K-Hawk]

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

[Skip Lackie]

Although you didn't ask, it's probably worth noting that the "Studebaker authenticity" was lost gradually over a period of many years. In addition to the changes noted by Cruiser, federal rules regarding such things as collapsible steering columns and side running lights required continual modifications to the Avanti II over the years. Avanti Motors also had to find new suppliers for a variety of small items, like switches, as the original supplies dried up. Figuring out who manufactured components like steering columns can be challenging for Avanti II owners.

[LarkTruck]

The Studebaker frame was used thru the 1985 model year, though with a modified X member when catalytic converters were required.
JS

[SN-60]

I recall hearing that mid 70's Avanti II's came out the factory doors with 'pre-rusted' frames, as the last of the Studebaker-built frames were being used up......and these original frames had been in outside storage several years.

[Bob Caser]

I believe the "rake" was eliminated because Altman disliked the look. A stock Chevy engine will fit using the Studebaker/ Avanti motor mounts. With a stock quadrajet intake you can even use a original R1 air cleaner. It will clear the hood. I have a 64 that was converted in 1967 to a Chevy engine using factory parts.

The first Avanti II that I saw in a showroom was in the fall of 1966 at Checker Motors in Alhambra, Cal

Bob Caser

[SN-60]

I wonder if the first Avanti II (RQA0001) was ever rebuilt?.....last I heard Blake had the car at the factory and the nose was torn off it. (severe wreck)

[Gunslinger]

I was under the impression that RQA001 had been fire damaged and was in the possession of Dan Booth at Nostalgic Motors. True or not...no idea. I read it on the internet so it must be true!

[candbstudebakers]

The 1987 and 1988 Avanti II's used the Monte Carlo frame . There were 346 cars
built over those two model years .

The Avanti II's from 1966 through to at least 1983 were Studebaker based in that
they were all built on the 1964 Daytona Convertible frame . So the only major
differences were the GM engines and transmissions . The only other 'major' changes
would be the use of specified 'aftermarket' wheels such as the 'Magnum 500's' which
were popular as well as the insert 'filler' panel addition in the front guard wheel lips .
The pronounced 'rake' of the original Avanti body was eliminated due to the new engine
and tranny combo , thus requiring the filler panel to be inserted .

Production of 1965 Avanti's was 56 . Production of 1966 Avanti's was 60 . For 1967 there
were only 41 but the next year they hit 100 out the door .

CRUISER

Cruiser, where did you get your production info? I have a 67 and have heard that first there was 49 build then later I heard there was 150 built, good info to know.

[JBOYLE]

About 65 Avanti IIs....the AOAI roster only lists 1 or 2.
So either they had a very bad survival record or most were registered as 66s.

[LarkTruck]

I believe the "rake" was eliminated because Altman disliked the look. A stock Chevy engine will fit using the Studebaker/ Avanti motor mounts. With a stock quadrajet intake you can even use a original R1 air cleaner. It will clear the hood. I have a 64 that was converted in 1967 to a Chevy engine using factory parts.

The first Avanti II that I saw in a showroom was in the fall of 1966 at Checker Motors in Alhambra, Cal

Bob Caser

The "rake" was eliminated because the York a/c compressor sat too high on the Chevy engine. Had they used the long skinny GM Frigidaire compressor that mounted to the side of the eng. they could have kept the "rake".
JS

[Gunslinger]

Cruiser, where did you get your production info? I have a 67 and have heard that first there was 49 build then later I heard there was 150 built, good info to know.

56 is the number used by John Hull in his book. There could be a difference between cars actually produced vs. cars actually sold, but his stats say production, so I take that as cars actually produced, whether they were sold and titled or not.

[Gunslinger]

The "rake" was eliminated because the York a/c compressor sat too high on the Chevy engine. Had they used the long skinny GM Frigidaire compressor that mounted to the side of the eng. they could have kept the "rake".
JS

Just a guess on my part, but I would think when Newman-Altman purchased all the parts from Studebaker, it must have included a lot of York compressors. It would make sense to use them for Avanti II's with the use of a different mounting bracket until the supply ran out. My '70 originally had a York compressor so their supply must have lasted at least that long before transitioning to the GM A-6 compressor.