1982 Avanti II

Description

The 1982 Avanti II marked the final year of production under the original Avanti Motor Corporation, founded by former Studebaker dealers Nate Altman and Leo Newman. Studebaker’s striking, fiberglass-bodied Avanti went on sale in 1963 and was marketed as “America’s only four-passenger high-performance personal car!” It was the failing automaker’s last roll of the dice, designed and created in just 40 days by Raymond Loewy and his design team.

After Studebaker ceased production in December 1963, Altman and Newman revived the sleek, fiberglass-bodied Avanti as the Avanti II in 1965 and used the original tooling, Chevrolet-sourced engines, and hand-built craftsmanship.

By 1982, the Avanti II retained much of its original styling but featured modernized mechanicals, including a 305 cubic-inch V8 engine, paired with a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. These cars were known for their luxurious interiors, custom options, and exclusivity — only 197 units were produced that year, the highest annual total during the Altman/Newman era. That same year, real estate developer Stephen H. Blake purchased the company on October 1, 1982, with financial backing from the state of Indiana.

This Pearl White 1982 Avanti II is an elegant, low-volume grand tourer that bridged the gap between classic design and modern engineering.

Highlights

• Only 197 Avanti II produced in 1982

• Finished in Pearl White paint

• Luxuriously trimmed, aircraft-inspired brown leather interior

• Powered by a 305 cu-in Chevrolet V8

• Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission

• Air conditioning

• Optional power sunroof

Features

• Fiberglass body over a steel frame

• Genuine wood accents

• MOMO Indy steering wheel

• Power windows

• AM/FM radio

• Front bucket seats

• Glovebox-mounted pull-out vanity mirror

Known Imperfections

• Leather seats and paint are starting to show wear

• One seatbelt is damaged

• Chrome is chipping

• Front bumper is out of alignment

• Antenna needs to be replaced

Included

• Several sets of keys

• Original spare tire

• Owner’s manual

• Other Avanti and Avanti II literature

Ownership History

The consignor of this 1982 Avanti II has owned it since 2020.