Studebakers are usually not the first choice for a restomod/pro-touring project but that’s what makes this build so great. A builder has taken a 1981 Avanti II, which is based off a Studebaker Avanti, and swapped in a LS1 V8 and 4L60E automatic transmission. This is not an overnight flip. It has taken two and half years for this frame-off build to get to this point. There was plenty of rust both on the body and structural components that needed to be taken care of. Besides the modern drivetrain the Avanti has a Ridetech coil-over front suspension and custom rack and pinion steering. The interior has also been upgraded with a Pioneer NAV system, smartphone remote start, GPS tracking, Nissan 350Z power seats, and imported Italian leather.
Source: Pro-touring
It would be more correct to state this car as a 1981 “Studebaker Designed or engineered” Avanti II. The last Studebaker Avanti Was built in December of 1963. However, Avanti Motors continued to build the 1964 style Avanti using Corvette power plants from 1966 through 1985 still using the Studebaker Chassis. A reorganized Avanti Motors from 1977 to 1991 built Coupes, Convertibles, & 4 Dr. Sedan versions of the Avanti on Chevy Chassis. Then the new Avanti Motors built a stylized version of the Avanti Design using altered body panels on Pontiac Firebird then Ford Mustang coupes from 1999 to 2007.
I did not know that. Thank you for sharing that. I will update the article to reflect your comment.
Doubt there was any rust on the body – this is a fiberglass car…