An early production R2 Avanti, 63R-1004, the fourth production car, has sold for a record $74,800 at the Gooding & Company auction on January 18, 2013 in Scottsdale, Arizona. This stunningly restored Avanti was shipped to Studebaker’s New York office in August 1962, most likely for publicity purposes. Finished in Avanti White R1004 is complemented by a tangerine interior. Options include tinted glass, power steering, front and rear seat belts, radio and antenna, automatic floor shift, Twin Traction limited-slip differential, whitewall tires, and a Paxton supercharger. All options are specified in the factory build sheet. Marque specialist WDC Garage in Massachusetts carried out the frame-off restoration of R1004 for an Edgartown enthusiast in the early 2000s. Finished in its original color combination, its 289 bhp supercharged engine no. RS1023 is also confirmed by accompanying factory records as original. The engine compartment in particular dazzles with its chrome-plated components and near-perfect detailing.
Photos courtesy of Gooding & Company 63R-1004 on the Gooding & Company website
