three speed Avantis?

Yes they were built, but I don't know how many. The shifter was in the same location as the four-speed shifter, just one fewer selection. I've seen one and knew of at least one other. The one I saw was purchased by an Avanti collector in the Boston in the early 70s. It seemed that an old farmer in North-Central Kansas was a long time Studebaker owner and when the Avantis came out he ordered one- black, three speed, radio and heater (no other options). He started across a plowed field like he did in his previous Studebakers, got hung up and stuck. So, he pulled it out of the field and parked it in his barn. I don't know if he bought another Studebaker or not, but it was VERY low mileage when my friend bought it. Paul Johnson

Last month at the Palm Springs Avanti meet I met a member whose Avanti was a three speed manual trans. On another Avanti forum there is a member with a manual three speed Avanti. They are out there for sure. I'll bet that some of those manual three speed Avantis became four speed models when the opportunity presented itself.

-Thomas

Yes they are out there. I own one. The build sheet says so. But mine was modified later in life and somebody added a Overdrive to it. After some inquiries from this NG I have it up and running. Will be at Omaha. While still in the restoration portion of my car I drove up to Minn and looked at another one last year. Early 63 like mine except his was a plain jane..No air no radio and manual steering. Mine has manual steering radio and air. It now drives sweet with the OD working. From what I have found out from more Avanti knowledgable people was there were about 60. made.

Dave Balek

To be honest, I actually like the "Deluxe" or plain-jane interior with the perforated seat inserts and door panels in the early '63's the best. One of the few instances 'cheaper' was looking in my opinion.

Craig

My 63 Avanti (R1780) was originally a black 3 speed, manual steering, 3:31 rear axle, and a radio. Originally sold in Santa Monica Ca, I am the 4th owner. 2nd owners installed the 4 speed, I added the blower.

Jim Turner

My `63 Avanti (R-4197), All original, 26,000 miles, is a 3-speed and radio delete car. Only options were front seat belts and white wall tires. According to information I found, out of 4,643 Avanti`s built

78 (1.7%) were 3-speeds, and 165 (3.6%) were radio delete. Another thing about the Avanti 3-speed, first gear is non-syncro, unlike my `63 GT Hawk 3-speed, which has syncro on first.

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Hill Holder option??

Hill Holder option??

You have an Avanti, Jim? BP

You have an Avanti, Jim? BP

Yep, Mine has a Hill Holder too, I forgot that, Since I have not seen my Avanti since last November, When Bob Palma drove it home from Studebaker International! Yes Bob!! I DO have an Avanti!

Jim

? makes me wonder what transmission was adapted to your Hawk? To the best of my knowledge the B-W T-86 3 speed with or without o/d, was the only 3 speed manual trans available in the latter years, I never saw, or even heard of one with a syncro first gear being available in Studebaker's ?

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