Anyone recognize this red 1980s Avanti II convertible?

[studegary]

The car that appeared in the Karate Kid, Fall Guy and Trapper John MD was a Florida Built 1977 model that kept its chrome bumpers and earlier trim details.

This car with the plastic bumpers started out as a regular 1983 model shipped to California for conversion.

Chris.

I am now convinced that the car is the 1983 Avanti prototype convertible. It started out as the first 1982 coupe and was converted into the prototype 1983 convertible.

[studegary]

A NCSDC member owns a car something like this one. It's a prototype with no top.

It may not be a prototype. Perhaps it is the "convertible" that was an incomplete car used as the centerpiece inside Club Avanti in Ohio owned by Cafaro.

[Commando66]

That is the car that was built by Straman in SoCal. I worked on and drove that car while working at Avanti NW. It had a funky fuel tank in it due to the convertible top needing to occupy the original fuel tank location so Gary had the great idea to put a Lark tank in it. Swapped out front springs to get desired ride height to replace cut coils. Also got touring coupe mesh style wheels.

[8E45E]

That is the car that was built by Straman in SoCal. I worked on and drove that car while working at Avanti NW. It had a funky fuel tank in it due to the convertible top needing to occupy the original fuel tank location so Gary had the great idea to put a Lark tank in it. Swapped out front springs to get desired ride height to replace cut coils. Also got touring coupe mesh style wheels.

What ever became of it? Did Gary Johnson sell it in the end? As I mentioned earlier, that car was sitting in the showroom when I last saw it in 1986.

Craig

[stude dude]

Its very close in appearance to the car Dennis Newman (of Newman & Altman) owned. It may even be the same car. He still had it in the early 1990's.

Chris.

[Avantidon]

For those who are interested in the "Wheel of Fortune" Avanti, it is alive and well and is seen on a regular basis in Eastern Tennessee. Right now it is tucked away in a warm garage along with several other vehicles awaiting Spring. It garners trophies everywhere it oges.

[JBOYLE]

The car that appeared in the Karate Kid, Fall Guy and Trapper John MD was a Florida Built 1977 model that kept its chrome bumpers and earlier trim details.

This car with the plastic bumpers started out as a regular 1983 model shipped to California for conversion.

Chris.

So you're saying the Straman conversion/prototype is the 77 model? (I don't understand the "Florida built" part of your answer...I've never heard Avantis were built in Florida).

But you're correct, the magazine articles above shows two cars, the first one with chrome bumpers in the shop and the second one with plastic bumpers outside.

[stude dude]

So you're saying the Straman conversion/prototype is the 77 model? (I don't understand the "Florida built" part of your answer...I've never heard Avantis were built in Florida).

But you're correct, the magazine articles above shows two cars, the first one with chrome bumpers in the shop and the second one with plastic bumpers outside.

NO! The chrome bumper car, the 1977 model was built (converted) in Florida. It was a darker metallic red and later appeared on TV. Not sure who did the conversion work but someone here will know.

The Straman car started out as an 82-83 model and eventually received the current 1984 styling and bumpers. Thats the red one in Richards photo.

Chris.

[Gunslinger]

In John Hull's book "Avanti: Studebaker and Beyond", that same photo is printed and the car is identified as the "1983 prototype convertible" and was built by Richard Straham & Company in Costa Mesa, California. John further states the car was "a working prototype with a functioning convertible top."

I guess that's as conclusive as we're going to get regarding this car.

[Avantict]

The second convertible prototype was built in Largo Florida by Mark Doyne.

[Commando66]

What ever became of it? Did Gary Johnson sell it in the end? As I mentioned earlier, that car was sitting in the showroom when I last saw it in 1986.

Craig

Yes, he sold it. I don't know who bought it, but I thought I saw it listed on the AOAI roster in Florida.