1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 Project

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

If it was loud, fast, or custom, you knew Trebbi—er, trouble—was coming. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, George Trebbi was known for his insatiable quest for knowledge in business, history, and classic cars. He loved sharing his knowledge and passion with friends and family, and he could frequently be found taking his grandchildren for a joyride in one of his cherished Chevys. Hagerty Marketplace is proud to present The Trebbi Collection: custom, fast, and loud—and all presented without reserve. * * *

Conceived in response to the Chevrolet Corvette, the 1963 Studebaker Avanti was a daring attempt to redefine performance and style during the company’s final years. The coupe, with its grille‑less nose, fiberglass body, and futuristic profile, was penned by designers Raymond Loewy, Bob Andrews, and Tom Kellogg and rushed from concept to production in an astonishing 40 days.

In addition to breaking every styling rule of the early 1960s, the Avanti offered an optional supercharged 289ci V8 — with 49 more horsepower than its naturally aspirated counterpart — that made it one of the fastest production cars in America, capable of exceeding 170 mph in factory test runs. It also featured advanced safety features like front disc brakes, padded vinyl roof rails (resembling a roll bar), and aircraft‑inspired instrumentation with an overhead control panel for lights and heater/defroster blower.

This ’63 Avanti is equipped with the optional R2 supercharged V8, mated to a three-speed automatic transmission, and is finished in Avanti Gold paint over Fawn (tan) interior with vinyl upholstery. Additional features include bucket seats, a two-spoke steering wheel, AM radio, center console, seat belts, and a pop-up vanity mirror inside the glove box.

This very original Avanti starts, runs, and is drivable, but it requires mechanical maintenance to be made fully roadworthy. Detailed notes provided by Zakira's Garage in Blue Ash, Ohio, are in the documents below.

This 1963 Studebaker Avanti is represented by a Broad Arrow Specialist and is now offered at no reserve with a clean Ohio title in the current owner's name.

Highlights

• Offered from the Trebbi Collection

• Supercharged 289 V8 (R2) engine

• Borg‑Warner 3-speed automatic transmission

• Front disc brakes

• Aircraft‑inspired instrumentation with console and overhead control panel

• Finished in Avanti Gold

• Fawn (tan) interior with vinyl upholstery and black carpet

Factory Equipment

• Fiberglass body

• Functional air intake on hood

• Fender-mounted, body-colored rearview mirrors

• Dual exhaust

• 15” steel wheels with hubcaps

• Independent front suspension

• Padded vinyl interior roof rails and passed dashboard

• Aircraft‑inspired instrumentation and overhead control panel

• Front bucket seats

• Two-spoke steering wheel with adjustable column

• AM radio

• Pop-up vanity mirror inside the glove box

• Center console

• Seat belts

• The chassis number (63R1216) decodes as:

  • 63 – 1963 model year

  • R – Avanti

  • 1216 – Production number

Known Imperfections

• This 1963 Avanti is not a safe running and driving car and requires much refurbishment. The car must be trailered. Do your research and bid accordingly.

• Mechanical issues as outlined by Zakira's custom shop

• Cosmetic imperfections and paint flaws, as noted in the provided photos

• Mastercraft tires are 12 years old

• Some pitting on chrome gauge bezels

• Ash trays are used/worn

• Rear deck is stained

• Carpet in trunk is worn

Ownership History

This 1963 Studebaker Avanti is offered from the Trebbi Collection. The current owner acquired the car in 2018.

Included Items

• Rubber floor mats

Additional Information

The seller states, “The car runs, but it is in need of mechanical maintenance and repair work, so it will need to be trailered. Do not attempt to drive it on the highway. A complete list of repairs needed to make it a highway safe and running car has been outlined by Zakira's custom shop (shown in the Documents section below).”

A Broad Arrow Representative is working as an agent on behalf of the seller of this vehicle. As such, the purchase transaction will be facilitated by Broad Arrow, including vehicle payment, applicable taxes required to be collected by the seller or Broad Arrow, and title/ownership reassignment. Broad Arrow is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.

Contact: Matt Lowney Phone: 623.308.2640 Email: mlowney@hagerty.com