The Ultimate Tribute Car: 1978 Avanti II
The Avanti was Studebaker’s dream car of the 1960s. It was unique, luxurious, and fast – and may have been a success had anyone other than Studebaker had been behind it. But their financial woes limited production to just 4,600 copies over a year and a half. However, the story didn’t end there, and two former Studebaker dealers launched Avanti Motor Car Co. to keep the now iconic automobile going. This example of the Avanti II is from 1978 and uses Chevrolet power. We’re told it’s in great condition, but its surroundings might suggest otherwise. From Ravenna, Ohio, this interesting tribute of sorts is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $13,365. Thanks for the neat tip, Barn Finder Ted!
Studebaker ceased producing vehicles in the U.S. in December 1963, shifting all remaining assembly operations to their plant in Hamilton, Ontario. Casualties from that move were the Gran Turismo Hawk and the Avanti. A little more than two years later, Studebaker was out of the car business altogether. Two dealers named Altman and Newman thought there was a future for the Avanti and acquired leftover inventory, plant and equipment, and the rights to the Avanti name.
From 1965 to 1983, the Avanti II (as it was now called) was very much the same fiberglass-bodied car as before, but with Chevrolet drivetrains as Studebaker power had dried up. The company changed hands several times between 1983 and 2006 and the car began to morph, including a convertible and sedan. But at first glance, a 1978 Avanti II distinctly resembles a 1964 Avanti.
From the tip we received, the owner or his/her heirs are selling off inventory which would include this ’78 Avanti II. We’re told that it’s an original car with 109,000 miles under its belt. Records indicate that just 142 Avanti IIs were built that year, so this is a rare automobile. It comes with a moon roof and Corvette power under the hood in terms of a 350 cubic inch V8 and a TH-350 automatic transmission. The seller says it runs and drives “nice” so maybe only some detailing is needed. An Avanti II should be a cheaper purchase than an Avanti as long as you can live without the Studebaker engine.
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Avanti Motor Corporation announced that plans to roll out the 2004 Studebaker Xtreme Utility Vehicle (XUV) would move forward, despite a lawsuit filed by General Motors Corporation. General Motors’ suit contends that Avanti’s Studebaker XUV “knocks off” the shape of GM’s Hummer H2 alambnd will confuse the public.
When Avanti Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Kelly was questioned about the lawsuit filed by GM, his response was: “There will not be any confusion on the part of the car-buying public,” said Kelly. “Put both vehicles side by side, and there’s no question that the Studebaker XUV is distinctly different.”
Kelly stated that Avanti Motors never considered using GM, Hummer or H2 designs for their Studebaker XUV. It was also noted that no GM parts were used to build the new Studebaker XUV. “There are no parts of an H2 Hummer that fit on a Studebaker XUV,” Kelly said. “Furthermore, the Studebaker is based on original concepts and designs developed by Avanti Motor Corporation. The Studebaker XUV has a completely different body style, from the front end to the rear gate, and it has sliding rear side doors and a sliding rear roof, that are the same as a 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire.” The two vehicles in question share absolutely no common parts.
The Avanti Studebaker is more than two feet longer than the H2, and features a rounded hood, distinct front grille, and unique body molding. It also includes several features not found in the GM offering, including power – sliding rear doors and a power- retractable rear roof.
Avanti believes that this frivolous lawsuit was presented to the small manufacturer by General Motors in order for GM to create a monopoly on the market of boxy, utility-type vehicles, thus preventing Studebaker, Ford, or even Chrysler from producing this type of vehicle in the future.
The Hummer H2 is no stranger to legal action. Ironically, last year Daimler-Chrysler sued GM over the design of the vehicle, claiming the grill was a knockoff of the Jeep’s classic seven-slot front.
GM won the lawsuit against Avanti SUV. The lawsuit was settled in early August 2003. Avanti agreed to a permanent injunction that barred the company from producing any SUV similar to the Hummer H2.
Who is the Avanti brand owner today?
I was a little confused by the headline. I mean, aren’t tribute vehicles one off projects built by backyard mechanics? The Avanti II was a production automobile using Studebaker bodies. But ok.
Pull the drive train and replace it with a LS 5 and a six speed manual. It isn’t a original so no harm no foul. Avanti was the fastest production car of its time. Why not give it a horse it deserves.
Is this Avanti for sale. We have been looking for one