1963 Studebaker Avanti Project: clean-bodied car with engine and transmission included for $8,495

Why we picked it

Classic Car Deals has this black 1963 Avanti with its original creamsicle interior as a full restoration project. It does not run. The seller says the body is clean and that a period-correct engine and automatic come with the car but are not installed. The listing says it has a clean title.

Avantis came new with fiberglass bodies, front disc brakes and a roll bar, so they are a strong base for a restomod. Rough runners have been selling around $15,000 to $16,500 on Hagerty. Even with the extra work of putting the drivetrain back in, $8,495 leaves room.

The value check

The seller is asking $8,495. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $15,190–$16,585, so the middle of the market is about $15,887.50. That put this car 47% under.

Recent Avanti sales of cars needing work on Hagerty were $16,585 (R2 project, Aug 2026) and $15,190 (R1 needing mechanical work, Jun 2026). Sound drivers brought $24,075 to $44,820. This car is a step rougher, with the drivetrain out, but $8,495 is about 47% under the project comps.

Where the numbers come from:

• Hagerty: 1963 Avanti R2 project sold $16,585 (Aug 2026)
• Hagerty: 1964 Avanti R1 sold $15,190 (Jun 2026)
• Hagerty: 1963 Avanti R1 sold $24,075 (Feb 2026)

What to check

• Confirm whether the included engine is an R1 289 and whether it is the car's original; the listing does not say
• Inspect the steel frame and the hidden steel cage under the fiberglass, especially the rocker areas and around the battery tray
• Fiberglass cracks, crazing and poor old repairs are common at the front and around the doors
• The listed VIN (AMS47101) looks like a short dealer number: check the real serial plate and title match
• Check how complete the trim, glass and interior pieces are, as some Avanti parts are hard to find

Making it drive like new

Use the original Lark-based frame but add modern shocks, a rear sway bar and a rebuilt disc setup. Put in a rebuilt 289 or a small-block Chevy, which is a common Avanti swap, with an overdrive automatic. Add a modern wiring harness, an aluminum radiator and three-point belts.