Avanti II: History, V8 Power, and Its Unique Fiberglass Body

In the automotive world, there are models whose stories continue long after their original manufacturers are gone. The Avanti II is one of the finest examples. When Studebaker ceased automobile production in 1963, it seemed that the Avanti's story had come to an end. Instead, thanks to a group of independent entrepreneurs and enthusiasts, the Avanti legacy continued for more than four decades.

From 1965 to 2006, the Avanti II was produced in limited numbers, preserving the distinctive styling of the original model while gradually adopting more modern powertrains and technical improvements. Its low production volumes and hand-built craftsmanship made every Avanti II a unique automobile, earning it a special place among American Grand Tourers.

Throughout its production, the Avanti II was powered by the reliable Chevrolet Small Block V8 engine family. Early models featured the legendary 327 cu in (5.4L) V8, while later versions adopted the 350 cu in (5.7L) V8. Depending on the model year and specification, output reached approximately 300 horsepower, delivering strong performance along with the unmistakable sound of a classic American V8.

Although the Avanti II was never intended to be a pure sports car, it perfectly embodied the Grand Tourer (GT) philosophy - combining performance, long-distance comfort, and elegant styling into a distinctive American grand touring automobile.

One of the Avanti II's most distinctive features is its hand-laid fiberglass body, mounted on a traditional steel chassis. In the 1960s, this was a bold and innovative engineering solution. Fiberglass reduced the car's weight, improved corrosion resistance, and gave designers greater freedom to create its flowing, sculpted body lines.

Equally unconventional was the Avanti's front end. Unlike most cars of its era, it featured no traditional front grille. Instead, cooling air was directed to the radiator through an opening beneath the front bumper, improving aerodynamics while giving the car a clean, unmistakable appearance.

This groundbreaking design was created by world-renowned industrial designer Raymond Loewy, whose work had a profound influence on 20th-century industrial design. His visionary approach resulted in an automobile with elegant proportions and styling that was decades ahead of its time. Even more than sixty years later, the Avanti remains strikingly modern and instantly recognizable among classic automobiles.

The Avanti II also found its place in Hollywood. In the 1984 cult classic The Karate Kid, Johnny Lawrence is seen driving a 1983 Avanti II Convertible. Interestingly, the car featured in the film was actually a prototype for the 1984 production convertible.

To create the convertible, Richard Straman Coachworks modified a 1982 Avanti II coupe, including redesigning the fuel tank to make room for the folding soft-top mechanism. Molds taken from this one-off prototype were later used to produce the 1984 series-production Avanti II Convertibles.

Recently, the Kurbads team had the opportunity to get up close with one of these rare automobiles. Beyond admiring this unique American classic, our role was to ensure its safe, professional transport. Every project involving a rare and valuable vehicle demands careful planning, precision, and experience, where attention to every detail is essential.

This particular Avanti II is now awaiting restoration. We wish its owners every success with the restoration process and hope to see this remarkable American Grand Tourer back on the road in the near future.