1965-1982 Avanti II

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