1974 Avanti Avanti II

Description

Iconic styling meets reliable components - that's why you want an Avanti II. Of course, when that also comes with a well-coordinated presentation, a loaded A/C interior, proper V8 power, and an affordable price, well then, this one is absolutely irresistible.

The Avanti was the boldest Studebaker to hit the streets, but it was also one of their costliest cars. But there were a select few who understood the significance of the car penned by the legendary Raymond Loewy, and they kept it going with small batch, handcrafted examples like this 1974 Avanti II. In fact, it was only one of 123 built that year. This history gives the coupe an instant appeal, and it's also why someone has taken the time to keep this one looking so nice. The dark blue paint has a modern appeal, but the lacquer finish suggests it could be the original application. It has a nice shine that likes to highlight the artistic blend of crisp lines and gentle curves on this well-preserved and well-presented body. There's brightwork in all the right places, like the form-hugging bumpers, bezels for the covered headlights, and upgraded 17-inch polished alloys to deliver a look that's both distinctly American and always futuristic.

The light blue pinstripe of the exterior points the way to a light blue interior. You can really tell this coupe has been treated like a rare exotic from day one just by the condition of the high-back bucket seats with comfy velour inserts. Everywhere you look, there's the sense of originality. The tuck and roll appearance of the dash, aircraft-inspired toggle switches, plush blue carpeting, and wraparound gauge panel with full Stewart Warner readouts - it's all part of a very classic and cool presentation. Even the key buzzer is still working! These cost about fifty percent more than a Corvette in '74, and so these Avanti IIs are always a rare sight. But even fewer got options to make them more expensive, like the power windows, power locks, and even a power sunroof. And as you gaze across the inside, you also see that there were nice investments to integrate the right modern features. You have a beautiful Nardi sports steering wheel mounted on a tilt column; the radio is a modern AM/FM/CD unit with a USB input for your phone; and the air conditioning is blowing cold with modern R134a.

While this car was built in South Bend, just like the best Studebakers, the Avanti II motor is a Chevy 400 cubic-inch V8. So while you'll always have a connection to the iconic styling, the mechanical side of this classic is robust and easy to maintain. Topped with a four-barrel carburetor, it fires up easily and makes the kind of good power and great torque you want in a cruiser like this. In fact, with power steering, front disc brakes, cruise control, a three-speed automatic transmission, sway bars front & rear, and brand new tires, this one really does have all the right ingredients to be a great anytime classic.

The sale comes compete with the owner's manual, maintenance records, and a correct replacement tach. You can really tell that this rare Avanti II has been treated with the care and respect a special car like this deserves. So if you want a distinctive classic that delivers a superior experience, call today!