1963 Studebaker Avanti R2

V8

4 speed Manual

63R-1454

Clear

Gasoline

This rare 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 is a beautiful, original survivor. As a survivor, it has escaped any modifications, changes or alterations to its factory produced condition. The car is original and includes the original gauges, interior, door panels, drivetrain, trim, etc. I have owned the car for over 6 years and purchased it from a collector from his auto collection. From the information that I have, I am the 4th owner since 1963. Everything works including the original AM Push Button Radio. I have statements and receipts for maintenance that has been performed on the car over the years to keep it in good condition and good running condition. Exterior Body & Paint is in like new condition. The stock light copper-gold paint color had some flaws and appeared to have been touched up when I purchased the car. In November 2006 I had the car re-painted with copper-gold color at a well-known custom paint shop in Orange, California. They removed the doors, deck lid, glass, bumpers and hood for the re-paint. All components and jams were painted with the car and then re-fitted back on with new window and door molding. The glass, bumpers and emblems are in very good condition. Interior seats, headliner, instruments, switches and trim are original and in very good condition. There are some small cracks on the steering wheel plastic (see picture), but other than that, door panels, dash and carpeting are in great condition. The odometer is fully functional reading 82,951 miles (See picture). With the former owner statements, the car condition and the maintenance check that I had done, the mileage appears original. Mechanical Condition. With the maintenance checks that I had done, there has been no frame or car damage. The exhaust system, shocks and suspension has been well maintained and replaced a few years ago, the present condition reflects little driving since then. The engine with supercharger and engine bay is original with its chrome valve covers, air cleaner and distributor shielding. The car drives and runs very well. The transmission and rear end are tight with no noise. The car has excellent power through all of the gears and does not hesitate. It starts immediately when warm or cold. The car runs cool and does not overheat when I last drove it recently in the warm weather. However, the engine does produce some smoke, mostly out of the left exhaust. With its 49 years, it may require new piston rings if driven more frequently. The hoses and clamps have been upgraded over the years, and the car does not leak any fluids. It has a new battery and starts right up after sitting for several weeks. Wheels and tires are custom made replica Bonneville Salt Flat high speed wheels with the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 Tires which were on the Indianapolis 500 Avanti R2 Pace Car for the 1962 race. The gold color and wheels for this Avanti are correct for this period for the pace car. The wheels and color Avanti were also time correct when the Avanti broke and held the speed record for stock cars on the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1962-63. I also have the stock wheels and wheel covers with new tires that are included. This is a special car and is certainly one of the finest collectable survivors available. It's a wonderful piece of automotive history from the 1960's and the most collectable of the Avanti's, a 1962 R2, 4-speed.