Some manufacturers completely abandon common sense in pursuit of sales, and the results can be catastrophic. Studebaker is a prime example of that thinking, with the company paying the ultimate price for an adventurous approach. Its dire financial situation during the early 1960s called for a high-volume model that could generate a profit, but it chose to release a “halo” car that failed to stave off bankruptcy. The vehicle in question was the Avanti, and this 1963 model has sat for over a decade. It underwent significant TLC before hibernation, and returning it to active service might be a feasible short-term goal for a new owner. It is listed here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $4,050.

The Raymond Loewy-designed Avanti polarizes opinions. Some enthusiasts praise its striking appearance, while others find it extremely unattractive. I am on the fence because while I don’t view it as unspeakably ugly, I see a contradiction in the front and rear appearance. The sharp front fender protrusions seem odd, and I feel the car would have looked more attractive without them. I stress this is a personal opinion, and yours may differ from mine. The seller indicates this Avanti has sat in storage since 2013, but it underwent some critical work beforehand. The chassis was painted in 2010, which may have kept the rust from critical areas like the hog troughs. It requires an in-person inspection to confirm this, but the seller’s impressions are positive. A few minor fiberglass repairs occurred then, but apart from slight damage on one front fender, there are no signs of further problems. The paint shade isn’t original, and with many purists craving authenticity from these low-volume classics, returning it to its factory color would be wise. The chrome and glass look acceptable for a survivor, and the Avanti retains its factory hubcaps.

The chassis wasn’t the only aspect of this Avanti to receive TLC before storage. The 289ci V8 was treated to a rebuild in 2010, meaning it could match its factory output figures of 240hp and 320 ft/lbs of torque if the buyer brings it back to life. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with power steering and power front disc brakes cementing the car’s luxury leanings. The seller indicates the entire suspension system was rebuilt before hibernation, with the vehicle clocking only a few miles on the refreshed components. This seems to be your typical “ran when parked” scenario, but there is no indication that anyone has attempted a revival. Returning it to a running and roadworthy state may be possible if the engine turns freely. The winning bidder might be able to set this as an achievable short-term goal.

The aspect of this restoration that may consume the most cash is an interior retrim. The photos suggest that almost everything inside this classic requires attention. The seats show deterioration, the door trims are missing, and the dash looks pretty horrible. I performed a brief online search but couldn’t locate trim kits. However, the potential restoration costs could be pretty high if the $572 for a carpet set is an accurate guide. A more detailed search might produce more favorable results, but returning this interior to its former glory could significantly lighten the buyer’s wallet.

The Avanti failed to arrest the flow of red ink in Studebaker’s ledgers, with the company succumbing to the inevitable financial collapse due to poor sales. However, a post-Studebaker life awaited the Avanti, and it soldiered on in various forms for decades after its creators were reduced to a vague memory. This one shows promise as a project candidate, but its financial viability may depend on the cost of the interior restoration. Would you consider pursuing it further, or is a more mainstream classic to your taste?