The 1965-1982 Avanti II was a continuation of Studebaker's 1963-64 Avanti. The cars were mostly handbuilt in a corner of the old South Bend plant under former dealers Leo Newman and Nathan Altman, who resurrected Stude's would-be sales-sparker.
The Avanti II retained the Lark convertible chassis but was altered with a small-block Chevy Corvette V-8, a higher hoodline to accommodate it, reduced-radius wheel openings and less front-end rake for a tidier appearance, and "Avanti II" badges. Offered with "stock" paint colors and interior trims, the Avanti II could be done in virtually anything the customer wanted -- Altman loved pleasing clients this way.
This car was a great buy early on, and only a bit less so through the '70s despite steady price escalation, mostly due to inflation. Workmanship deteriorated over time, especially after Altman's untimely death in 1976, but low production almost guarantees collectibility regardless of year.
Pluses of the 1965-1982 Avanti II:
- Smooth performance
- Ubiquitous engines easily serviced
- Sensational styling still snares stares
- Individual
- Out of production (as of 1991)
Minuses of the 1965-1982 Avanti II:
- Poor finish post-1975, especially paint and chrome
- Gas mileage falls off in '70s
- Poorer investment than original Avanti
Production of the Avanti II:
- 1965: 25
- 1966: 98
- 1967: 60
- 1968: 89
- 1969: 103
- 1970: 111
- 1971: 107
- 1972: 127
- 1973: 106
- 1974: 123
- 1975: 125
- 1976: 156
- 1977: 146
- 1978: 165
- 1979: 142
- 1980: 168
- 1981: 200
- 1982: 200
Specifications of the 1965-1982 Avanti II:
Wheelbase, inches: 109.0
Length, inches: 192.5
Weight, pounds: 3,150-3,570
Price, new: $6,550-23,000
Engines for the 1965-1982 Avanti II:
| Type | Size | Horsepower | Years |
| ohv V-8 | 327 cid | 300* | 1966-1969 |
| ohv V-8 | 350 cid | 300 | 1969-1972 |
| ohv V-8 | 400 cid | 180/245 | 1973-1976 |
| ohv V-8 | 350 cid | 180 | 1977-1980 |
| ohv V-8 | 305 cid | 155 | 1981-1983 |
*SAE gross horsepower; all other figures SAE net
Want more information about classic cars? See:
- Classic Cars
- Muscle Cars
- Sports Cars
- Consumer Guide Auto
- Consumer Guide Auto Used Car Search
