Vehicle Description If you are looking for a turn-key, pristine, attention-getting, head-turning sportscar, this Studebaker Avanti is it. As you can see from the set of pictures below, this is a beautiful Avanti R-1 in excellent mechanical condition. This is late 1963, R-4559. It has been restored to all original condition, right down to the one-inch bias ply tires and the black and red fleck carpeting. It was loaded when new, with power steering, brakes, and windows, automatic transmission and air conditioning. All work flawlessly, INCLUDING the air conditioner, which was converted to C-134 last year. The frame and hog troughs are rock solid. This show car will take you anywhere. Reliable and worry-free, it runs very strong, with a ton of throttle, a great highway car, and very smooth transmission. It has won trophies in the shows that I have taken it to, but trophies are not all that important to me anymore, and I seldom go to shows. The underbody has not been detailed, although this could be done fairly easily. The paint is about ten years old, but still in excellent condition. The engine was completely rebuilt 4,000 miles ago, in late 2003, by long-time Studebaker expert Verne Ediger (Halstead, Kansas). The bill for this was over $5,600. The complete invoice for the engine work is below, at the end of my description. Here is a list of the work that I have done myself and have had done on the car. I have never added up the total costs, but it amounts to many thousands of dollars. --all new interior: -door panels -vinyl, pleated and non-pleated -carpet kit -upholstery kit (seat hinges rebuilt) -headliner -steering wheel inserts -power window switch bezels -new tachometer --new trunk liner --original air conditioner converted to C-134, one leak repaired --new air conditioner temp and fan switches --two wheel cylinders rebuilt --four new one-inch white walls from Coker Tire --rebuild right front brake caliper --new water pump --rechromed front bumper --all new door rubber--one new outside rear mirror --new seatbelts --misc, rechromed parts, such as air cleaner, interior pieces, etc. --rebuilt alternator --new shocks --two new turbo mufflers --new exhaust tips --ignition coil --new door sills --new "S" emblems on C pillars --new fan shroud --rear frame cross member --inner and outer parking light lenses --repair transmission oil leak (front pump gasket and seals), repaired vacuum leaks, adjusted bands, set idle speeds --new power brake vacuum booster --rebuilt master cylinder --new wheel covers Despite the car's excellent condition, there are some imperfections: --cracked parking light lens (see photo) --interior rattle in right rear (clears up on the highway) --heat gauge registers 12-13 degrees warmer than real temp (checked, and confirmed in receipts, by Verne Ediger--radiator was recored when engine was done) --turn signal indicator does not always automatically return --radio works intermittently --clock does not work --needs new wiper switch (they work, but will not turn off easily--I have never driven the car in the rain) --two-inch scratch on hood near driver (see photo) --three-inch shallow crack on right front fender (see photo) The odometer shows approx. 60,000 miles, but I have no way of knowing if that is correct. It may not be, since the interior was in poor condition when I got the car in 1999. Regardless, the engine since rebuild has only about 4,000 miles. The NADA average retail for an R-1 with air is $19,850. My reserve is way under that figure. Below is a cut-and-paste of that engine receipt: Invoice ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION RATE AMOUNT Part 1539051 Piston set 338.00 338.00T Part 536254 Piston Rings 68.00 68.00T Part 530765 Rod Bearing set 120.00 120.00T Part 529459 Camshaft bearing 56.50 56.50T Part GSK004 Overhaul gasket 125.00 125.00T Part 8 683875 Exhaust valves 13.75 110.00T Part 1555408 Main bearings 160.00 160.00T Part 8 Exhaust seats 8.00 64.00T Part Sleeve 48.00 48.00T Part 2 new valve covers 150.00 150.00T Part Bolts and misc. hardware 25.00 25.00T Part 42-27 Fuel pump 60.00 60.00T Part 2 sets points 24.22 24.22T Part Condensor 18.06 18.06T Part 8 spark plugs 2.50 20.00T Part 3 exhaust pipe gaskets 4.50 4.50T Part 30208 thermostat 8.50 8.50T Part Recore radiator 295.00 295.00T Part Freight for core 15.11 15.11T Part 7435 Belt 17.95 17.95T Part 9485 Belt 24.73 24.73T Part 7370 Belt 16.65 16. 651 Part 48 oz. R12 freon 3.00 144.00T Part 2 gallons antifreeze 7.00 14.00T Part Fuel hose 4.00 4.00T Part Lower radiator hose 18.00 18.00T Part Clamps 2.00 2.00T Part Power Steering Fluid 4.00 4.00T Total TERMS ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION RATE AMOUNT Part Front pump seal 12.00 12.00T labor Balance engine 150.00 150.00T labor Pressure test heads 80.00 80.00T labor Surface heads 80.00 80.00T labor Replace exhaust seats (2 heads) 100.00 100.00T labor Bore and hone block 120.00 120.00T labor Sleeve one cylinder 80.00 80.00T labor Polish crank 40.00 40.00T labor R & R and rebuild engine (48 hours) 2,501.00 2,501. 00T labor Evac. and charge AC (no warranty on 75.00 75.00T air) labor Clean and paint frame 54.00 54.00T labor Install front pump seal 27.00 27.00T Supplies Shop Supplies & EPA Charge 25.00 25.00T Sales Tax 6. 30% 333.85 Total $5,633.07