Prepare to be amazed by the unexpected discovery of a rare 1963 Studebaker Avanti, tucked away behind the walls of a museum. Studebaker, a company struggling to regain its footing in the early 1960s, had high hopes for the Avanti—a groundbreaking personal luxury automobile with a sleek fiberglass body. However, the Avanti fell short of sales expectations, leading to its premature demise in late 1963. Surprisingly, this first-year Avanti has found itself relegated to the outdoor premises of a museum located in National City, California. Now, this presumed survivor has emerged from obscurity and is up for grabs on craigslist for $12,995. Thanks to Barn Finder Pat L., we get to feast our eyes on this captivating Turquoise beauty!
The Studebaker Avanti was originally envisioned to achieve annual sales of 20,000 units. Sadly, the actual numbers fell far short, reaching less than 5,000 before production ceased abruptly. When Studebaker shifted its auto production to Canada in the middle of the 1964 model year, the Avanti was left behind. However, the Avanti name would not fade away completely. Two former Studebaker dealers resurrected the Avanti II in 1965, breathing new life into the iconic design by incorporating Chevrolet drivetrains.
This ’63 Avanti likely houses a 289 cubic inch V8 engine, sourced from the existing Studebaker parts inventory. In its inaugural year, a total of 2,282 Avantis were produced with the non-supercharged version of the engine, while 1,552 were equipped with the supercharger option. Though little background information is provided, it’s claimed that this particular car belongs to the San Diego Automotive Museum. However, no evidence of its ownership can be found on their website or elsewhere. There seems to be some confusion regarding the mileage, as the seller mentions 42,000 miles, while an accompanying photo of the odometer reflects 86,000.
While the overall condition of this Studebaker Avanti is described as fair, there is no mention of its running condition or any potential mechanical needs. The exterior displays faded paint, and the interior appears slightly worn. It begs the question as to why a museum would keep a classic car like this outside, potentially exposing it to the elements, especially considering the protective covers on the surrounding vehicles. Despite the lack of information, it’s undeniable that this Avanti stands out as one of the finest examples seen in recent times. Don’t miss the opportunity to uncover the secrets of this hidden gem before it’s too late!
