1964 Studebaker

Avanti Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

63R-1817

Gasoline

This Avanti was produced in South Bend, November 16, 1962. The VIN is 63R_1817. The Body # is 63R_Q960. MATCHING. The engine number at production was R1459. Produced as a 1963 R1 Avanti (later modified), the vehicle was shipped to a dealer in Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania. It was in a dealer inventory and remained unsold until after September 1, 1963. A directive went to dealers, from Studebaker, in August 1963 informing them that NEW vehicles sold after September 1, 1963 COULD BE TITLED AS 1964. The clear Ohio title lists this vehicle as a 1964. The color is AVANTI GOLD, interior trim is ELK (regal) PLEATED, and is one of 958 produced in that color combination. The vehicle does not have Air Conditioning and although Seat Belts were listed on the production report they are absent from the car. It has an Automatic Transmission, Power Steering and Brakes, TwinTrac rear end, and Windshield Washers. At some point an owner upgraded the sound system by adding an Audiovox Radio/CD. The second owner purchased the vehicle in January 1972 and wanted a Supercharged engine, which he added. It is an original engine but I haven;t been able to get the Engine #. I have manifold numbers to verify it's originality. It is evident that maintenance was a key concern of both owners as evidenced by the presence of a shop manual and parts locator. The car has been repainted it’s original metallic beige color and the rear seats have not seen much use. We completely wet sanded and polished the current finish, however it is marked with some spider webbing (seemingly from the original paint), a few paint bubbles (left rear fender), and over-spray on the window weather-stripping. The overall finish is solid and shiny. The passenger seat has a seam separation that looks to be easily repaired by a trim shop. The vehicle has not been professionally inspected but has been driven and runs as designed. Other than detailing the engine compartment and tending to the finish you are viewing this vehicle in an original state. If you take the time to review the pictures you can see the owners took the time to preserve this Studebaker’s integrity. Some additional attention to detail and you could easily find this car at a classic auction selling for “big bucks”. The body is solid and intact and shows no visual evidence of previous damage. Most remarkable is the LOW, LOW MILEAGE translating to less than 1,000 miles per year. I visualize this motorcar in the hands of an appreciative collector.