1963 Studebaker Avanti R2

Description

The 1963 Studebaker Avanti was an ambitious attempt to revive a struggling manufacturer. Styled by Raymond Loewy’s team, the Avanti broke convention with its sleek fiberglass body and futuristic lines, unlike anything else on American roads. Studebaker promoted it as a “safety car,” featuring front disc brakes and a reinforced frame, while the R2 package delivered serious performance. Its Paxton-supercharged 289ci V8 produced 290 horsepower, making it one of the fastest U.S. cars of the era and a record-setter at Bonneville. Despite critical praise, total Avanti output was fewer than 4,600 units in 1963.

This example, chassis 63R3080, is one of 1,833 R2 models reportedly built across 1963–64. Delivered new to Whattoff Motors in Ames, Iowa, it stayed with its original owners until 2000. A comprehensive refurbishment by Myers Studebaker Parts in 2007–08 included rebuilding the engine with a balanced rotating assembly and .040" overbore, plus a polished crankshaft and new pistons. Upgrades by the second owner included a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission and refreshed brakes and steering. Finished in its correct Avanti Turquoise paint over matching vinyl, it features Twin-Traction, factory front disc brakes, and a Ken Harrison AM/FM cassette stereo.

This 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 is now offered with a factory build sheet, records and receipts from the refurbishment, and a clean Virginia title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• One of 1,833 R2 models produced

• Refurbished by Myer’s Studebaker Parts in 2007–08

• GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission upgrade

Factory Equipment

• Paxton-supercharged 289ci V8 rated at 290 hp

• Avanti Turquoise paint over Turquoise vinyl interior

• Overhead padded safety steel arch

• Woodgrain instrument panel and center console trim

• Front bucket seats

• Arm rests, front and rear

• Padded instrument panel

• Glovebox-mounted pull-out vanity mirror

• Interior access panel to luggage compartment

• Aircraft-type overhead rocker switches to control lights and ventilator fan

• Features of Avanti 63R3080 from factory build sheet include:

  • 2-6-63 – Final assembly date 6 February 1963

  • Body color 6332 – Avanti Turquoise

  • Interior 923 – Turquoise

  • 1 – Supercharger

  • 19 –Automatic floor shift

  • 26B – Tinted glass

  • 34 – Power steering

  • 50 – Twin Traction differential

  • 56A – White sidewall tires

  • 72A – AM radio and antenna

• The chassis number (63R3080) decodes as:

  • 63 – 1963 model year

  • R – Avanti

  • 3080 – Sequential production number starting at 1001

Modifications

• GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission

• Ken Harrison AM/FM cassette stereo

Servicing & Documentation

• Recent servicing includes:

  • Rebuilt carburetor

  • Replaced battery

  • Replaced master cylinder

  • Replaced rear wheel cylinders

  • New Milestar tires

Known Imperfections

• Rip in the driver’s seat upholstery

• Some paint blemishes and touch-ups

Ownership History

This 1963 Avanti was reportedly acquired from the estate of the previous (second) owner in 2021.

Included Items

• Factory build sheet (see photo gallery)

• Records and receipts from refurbishment

Additional Information

The seller states, “This Avanti is a true survivor car, driven regularly and maintained correctly by its original owner. It was always garaged by the original owner and has been garaged by its present owner. Paint is mostly all original, in great shape for its age, a few imperfections, with some touch-ups — probably done at Studebaker or the original dealership, according to previous owner. Frame and Hog Troughs are solid with no rust! Interior is gorgeous, in great condition, with a minor rip in the driver’s seat. Car is turnkey and needs nothing. All records and receipts from refurbishment are included along with literature on Studebaker and the Avanti.”