1963 Studebaker Avanti R1

I’ve had the car for 10 years and have driven it about 11,000 miles. I have about $25,000 invested in it. It drives excellent but needs TLC on body.

Odometer says 50,020 miles, It works, but may have turned over at 100,000? I haven’t researched it. The previous owner did engine work, I have “sketchy” records from him. I don’t know what else was done during the 10 plus years he had it. I know it wasn’t driven much. Since I have had it the oil has been changed every 2,000 miles or every year (10W-30 synthetic) and I’ve used non-ethanol fuel.

I spent about $7,000 completely rebuilding the front end (brakes, A arms, suspension). I also replaced the rear brakes (plus shocks), and put the chrome wheels on that are in some of the pictures. I still have the original steel wheels. I also replaced the seats (red, shown in some of the photos, and put in 4-point seat belts. I have the original seats (fair condition, need vinyl replacement).

The engine, frame, and transmission are original (I have the factory build sheet), but I have replaced some components (carburetor, alternator). I replaced the 1970s era radio/tape deck with a “original look” AM/FM radio. The AC needs a charge (it was working for the first 5 years I had it) and the carburetor is being rebuilt next week.

Negatives: I cracked the passenger side front fender and have taped it with fiberglass tape. The paint needs some attention (it is white, originally was gold). The back frame has rust, it’s had it since I bought it.