From the Collection of Glenn C. Gould Jr.
1963 Studebaker Avanti R1
Design by Raymond Loewy

The Amelia Island Auction|20 May 2021, 13:00 EDT|Fernandina Beach Golf Club

1963 Studebaker Avanti 63R
Design by Raymond Loewy
Chassis no. R1 1060

289ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor, 289 bhp at 4,800 rpm
4-Speed Manual (T10) Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Original, unrestored example
*Only 54,000 miles from new
*Early example of the model
*Forward thinking and iconic Raymond Loewy design

THE STUDEBAKER AVANTI

Commissioned by Studebaker management in the waning days of the company, famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy was encouraged to create a singularly bold and futuristic car to serve as not only a financial boon but also the firm's new technical/performance halo model. Designed in only 8 weeks the Avanti was hurried into production with a host of forward looking safety and performance features including factory supercharged versions of the venerable 289 ci V8 with a 4 barrel carburetor, front disc brakes, an integrated roll bar and a revolutionary 'Coke Bottle' body with front fenders, profiling distinctive blades extending well forward of the nose and rear fenders have a pronounced sweep and the wheel wells are shaped with unique parabolic designed that comfortably seated four. The Avanti is as striking today as it was in 1963.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This is the 60th Avanti to have been built of the total production run of 4,647, of which roughly half (2,418 units) were built for the '63 model year. By merit of this early manufacture date, it carries fiberglass bodywork by the original producer, MFG of Ashtabula, Ohio – later Studebaker would bring this in house. The Avanti is known to the seller to have been originally sold to a lady in Clearwater, Florida through her local Studebaker dealer. It was finished then as it appears now in one of the most well-known schemes for these cars of Avanti Red, with a black interior. Its specification included the desirable Borg Warner T10 4 speed manual transmission mated to its R1 289 V8, harnessed by power steering and power brakes. Accessories included an AM radio and seat belts.

The current owner's mother, Judith Gould, bought the car from the original Clearwater owner and can record that while the lady enjoyed it for the first 3 years, on hearing of Studebaker's demise, she became concerned that she may not be able to get the car serviced. Mrs. Gould purchased the Avanti for the princely sum of $1,800, and undeterred, would use it on a regular basis until around 1975, when it was brought to the Gould family's Wells Auto Museum in Maine. By that point, it had covered 54,000 miles from new, with only modest accrual in the ensuing 45 years. It retains original finishes throughout.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the title will be in transit.

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