1963 Studebaker Avanti – Body‑Off Restoration • AACA Senior Grand National • 398/400 Points

Stock #4469 • Serial #R44445 • 53,383 Miles • $125,000

Overview

The 1963 Studebaker Avanti remains one of the most innovative and forward‑thinking American performance cars ever built. Introduced in 1962 and unveiled at the New York Auto Show on April 29, 1963, the Avanti stunned the automotive world with its aeronautical‑inspired fiberglass body, advanced engineering, and bold styling from a design team led by Raymond Loewy.

Only 1,200 Avantis were produced for 1963, making surviving concours‑level examples exceptionally rare. This car—#R44445—is unquestionably among the finest in existence.

Design & Engineering

The Avanti was conceived as a high‑performance, four‑seat luxury GT, built to challenge the world’s best. Studebaker equipped it with the same robust powerplant used in their celebrated Hawk series:

• 289 cubic inch V‑8
• Available with manual or automatic transmission
• Front disc brakes (revolutionary for an American car in 1963)
• Aerodynamic fiberglass body
• Engineered to set speed records

The Avanti ultimately achieved 29 world speed records, cementing its place in American performance history.

This Example – A Benchmark Restoration

Purchased on March 28, 1991, this Avanti underwent a total, body‑off‑chassis restoration to exact factory specifications. Every component—mechanical, cosmetic, structural—was restored to a standard that meets or exceeds original new‑car condition.

Awards & Judging History

This Avanti is a serial award‑winner, including:

• AACA Senior Grand National Award – Four‑Time Winner
• First Place – Radnor Hunt Concours
• 398/400 Points – Studebaker National Meet
  • The two point deductions have since been corrected

This is a true concours‑level Avanti, restored to a standard rarely achieved and almost never maintained this consistently.

Condition

• Body‑off restoration with meticulous authenticity
• Immaculate interior, exterior, and undercarriage
• Correct finishes, materials, and factory details
• 53,383 total miles
• Maintained by a dedicated long‑term owner and collector

This is not simply a restored Avanti—it is a reference‑grade example suitable for concours display, marque judging, or top‑tier private collections.

Price $125,000