Description

A rare sight today is this 1978 Avanti ll, one of only 142 produced for the 1978 model year. With Studebaker's demise in December 1963, the Avanti seemed destined to become another postscript to car history. But Nate Altman, an Indiana Studebaker Dealer, knew there was still a great deal of interest in the car and after a great deal of maneuvering formed a new entity called Avanti Motor Corporation, who would produce the Avanti II. Molded Fiberglass of Ashtabula, Ohio; who had supplied the original Avanti bodies, continued to supply these components. Nate Altman passed away in 1976 and brother, Arnold, with Avanti Motor Corporation from the beginning, assumed leadership. Six years later, Altman sold the Avanti rights to real estate developer Stephen Blake. The self-proclaimed automotive enthusiast would continue to carry on.

HIGHLIGHTS:

One of only 142 Avanti ll cars produced for the 1978 model year

350 Chevrolet V8 engine

Freshly rebuilt TH400 automatic transmission

Beautifully restored interior

Air conditioning

Nardi steering wheel

Chrome Magnum 500 style wheels

Front power disc brakes

Finished handsomely in Champagne Gold, the color beautifully accentuates Raymond Lowey's masterful design, and a luggage rack adds a touch of European elegance to this Avanti. A set of chrome Magnum 500 style wheels with Avanti logo center caps wearing whitewall tires enhance sporty elegance of this classic.

Inside, the restored Tobacco Brown bucket seat interior is elegant and refined, yet sporty. The pleated dash pad, aircraft-inspired toggle switches, rich wood trim, wraparound gauge panel with VDO tachometer and Stewart Warner gauges, cold factory air conditioning, as well as the gorgeous Nardi three-spoke wood steering wheel, welcome the driver into a world of grand touring luxury.

The Avanti II is equipped a Chevrolet 350 cubic-inch V8 engine mated to a freshly rebuilt TH400 automatic transmission, making this rare classic robust and easy to maintain. The is engine powerful, smooth and sounds great rumbling back though glass pack style mufflers. Front power disc brakes provide ample stopping power.

This rare and exciting 1978 Avanti ll is a car that offers luxury and style in the grand European tradition, but with the reliability and easy serviceability of a Chevrolet, allowing one to enjoy the best of both worlds with confidence style. Call today!