My Dad's Avanti

[Commando66]

Pretty excited, my Dad is giving me his 1963 Avanti that he bought new in April of 1964. It's Avanti red with the 813BKV (?) all black interior, R2/4 speed with 60,000 original miles. Now don't get me wrong, it needs a lot of work. It has been sitting since the SeaTac 82' SDC meet. I need to sell a couple cars to make room before it comes home. As soon as it's home I'll post some pictures.

[Bob Caser]

Congratulations. The first time I met you I knew you would become an Avanti owner. I just did not think it would take this long. Oh , the first meeting was Estes Park National meet in 1987.
Best wishes.

Bob Caser

[Commando66]

Thanks Bob, you know I'll be on the hunt for an AM/FM. I've owned a couple Avanti's but my Dad's is pretty special. I've had too many Mopars over the years to concentrate on his car.

[redbox]

That is great that it has been in your family since new. I know you are going to have fun getting it back on the road. I think you will find out that people will be more interested in the Avanti than the Mopar cars.

[packard352]

My father toyed with a new Avanti when they were new and went to look at one in the London showrooms. Switches in the roof made a big impression with him as it was the first thing he spoke about when discussing his Studebakers 15 + years or more later. He never did buy the Avanti, instead opting for a Pontiac LeMans off the Motor Show stand. It turned out to be a Friday "lemon," always in the garage with problems. In spite of the car's good looks, he got ride of it for 4-door Plymouth Fury; younger brother was on the way by then!

However, of all the cars owned by him (Rolls-Royce, Oldsmobile, etc.), the only car that was ever asked about and after was his all white '56 Golden Hawk.

Sounds like you've got a nice piece of family "history" coming your way

[Commando66]

I finally brought the Avanti to my house to clean up and assess what work needs to be done initially. So far, my son and I have cleaned 30+ years of mice activity, mildew and general dirt. In preparation for SeaTac 82 SDC meet, the engine was rebuilt as well as new suspension parts and various other parts to make the car drive well. After that, he stripped the paint with the intention of a respray but life and kids seem to get in the way of best intentions. My Dad has had various other Studebakers and Avanti's so this one was always put on the back burner. I'd like to get it running and driving before paint but we'll see. I'll update this as progress happens.

[sweetolbob]

Looks like your dad did a lot of the hard work, nice car. If it looks that good on all sides it shouldn't be difficult to repair and repaint.

Be sure to protect that dash pad like it's gold. It's one of the best I've seen for it's years and expensive/difficult to find to replace.

Keep up the good work, you will have a very unique vehicle when you finish, even for an Avanti.

Avanti, Bob

[64V-K7]

What's the serial number?

[8E45E]

In preparation for SeaTac 82 SDC meet, the engine was rebuilt as well as new suspension parts and various other parts to make the car drive well.

Hopefully you'll have it ready in time for the International Meet in 2018, which will also be in or near Seattle.

Craig

[Andy R.]

1) Congrats on the Avanti. Great color. Even stripped the shape is wonderful at that angle.
2) What brand tires? The whitewall width is just perfect for early 60s.

[Commando66]

The serial # is 4580. My Dad bought it Feb. 21, 1964 from ABC Motors in Tacoma, WA.

[SN-60]

A red R2 four speed with manual windows & 60K?....In the world of Studebaker Avantis....... YOU'VE STRUCK GOLD!!!!!

[GrumpyOne]

The serial # is 4580. My Dad bought it Feb. 21, 1964 from ABC Motors in Tacoma, WA.

My old Avanti was #4500, a gold R-1 which was repainted to red prior to my purchasing it back in 1970...

[Commando66]

A red R2 four speed with manual windows & 60K?....In the world of Studebaker Avantis....... YOU'VE STRUCK GOLD!!!!!

I definitely feel like I've struck gold!

[Warren Webb]

Although I have 2 Avanti's yours is what I consider the best setup. I'd love to have a red/4 speed with that wood grained & solid color interior. WOW!!!