1964 Studebaker Avanti, Frame Off Nut and Bolt Restoration

Over 5 years and 75k invested in this over-the-top nut and bolt restoration. A shining example of a showroom condition, early 1964 Studebaker Avanti.

You will be hard pressed to find a model in such spectacular condition!

• File cabinet draws are filled with an extensive vehicle history and documentation of the frame off restoration.
• Powder Coated Wheels
• Brand-New Hand Laid Interior
• AC

Studebaker quit before the family cars were finished, but Loewy did give Egbert one brief shining moment with the memorable 1963-1964 Studebaker Avanti.
Avanti in Italian means "forward" and this consignment certainly does that. Not only with its engine, but with its beautiful Mid-Century Modern design and forward-thinking lines. Bring on the Starburst Clocks and the Beehive Hairdos.

Exterior
A coke-bottle waist forms the base for a thin-section roof with a huge rear window and a built-in roll bar. Razor-edged front fenders sweep back into the curved rear, then into a jacked-up tail. The conventional grille was thrown out, and an air scoop added under a thin front bumper, and an asymmetrical hump in the hood.

An August of 1963 built car, although titled 1964, there were only about 50 of these built at this time with the round headlights and round bezels. The remainder of 1964 models were round headlights in square bezels. Making this a somewhat rare car since only 809 units were produced in 1964.
Interior
Inside, ample crash padding is combined with four slim-section vinyl bucket seats and an aircraft-style wrap around wood-grained control panel. We see the built-in roll bar, only 1 of many safety innovations Studebaker was famous for. Dripping with mid-century modern style, the center console has a small but groovy gearshift all in chrome with small stem, and a ball at the top. The air vent controls, heater and fan speed levers carry through with this same ball on stem and are found below the dash. Speaking of the dash, it is tucked and rolled stitched vinyl but is padded. Power brakes are noted.
Undercarriage
Independent front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension, which works great in combination with the Dana 44 rear. Power disc brakes are in front, and power drums on the rear. One can also note the dual exhaust snaking its way rearward. and proving a tasteful low growl of power being spent.
This awesome rare example, mostly like the original 1963 design, remains a stunner. If you are a sucker (like I obviously am) for Mid Century Modern, then you need to take a close look at this car. A really nice example, with maintenance records, restoration photos, Documented history, and repair notes.

Mechanically stout, and visually different but in a very cool way.