This 1963 Studebaker Avanti is one of 1,833 R2 variants produced for the 1963 and 1964 model years, and it is finished in black over black vinyl upholstery. The car was initially delivered new to a dealership in South Bend, Indiana, and it was acquired in California by the seller’s spouse in 1975. Power is provided by a supercharged 289ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission, and additional equipment includes a Twin-Traction differential, 15″ wheels, front disc brakes, power steering, a dual exhaust system, front seat belts, and a Studebaker AM radio. This Avanti is now offered with a 1976-dated California BAR certificate of compliance, copies of the production order sheet, a maintenance folio, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean California title in the seller’s name.
The fiberglass body was finished from the factory in Avanti Black and wears Studebaker, Avanti, and Supercharged badging as well as chrome bumpers. Additional exterior details include a hood ornament, fender-mounted mirrors, and dual polished exhaust outlets. The seller notes various paint touch-ups.
Aftermarket 15″ wheels feature Avanti center caps along with bright trim rings and are mounted with 215/70 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial redline tires. A spare is stored in the trunk. The car is equipped with power steering as well as power-assisted front disc brakes and rear drums.
The cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench upholstered in black vinyl along with matching door panels and black carpets. Aircraft-inspired climate controls on the center console are joined by overhead switchgear for lighting and fan control. The dashboard and center console were painted black from the factory, a Studebaker AM radio is housed in the center of the dash, a fire extinguisher is mounted behind the driver’s seat, and the front seats are fitted with lap belts.
The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a tachometer with a 5k-rpm redline accompanied by a 140-mph speedometer, a clock, and auxiliary readouts for coolant temperature, amperage, fuel level, oil pressure, and intake manifold pressure. The five-digit odometer shows 9k miles, approximately 4k of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.
The 289ci Jet-Thrust V8 features a Paxton supercharger and was factory rated at 290 horsepower and 303 lb-ft of torque.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Power Shift automatic transmission and a Twin-Traction differential
The production order sheet lists factory equipment, colors, and identification numbers and notes a final production date of June 5, 1963.
The serial number plate displays the sequence R-4711, while the California title lists the VIN as 63R4711A.