1963 Studebaker Avanti R2 4-Speed, supercharged and largely original

Why we picked it

This 1963 Avanti has the R2 package: a Paxton-supercharged 289 Jet Thrust V8, paired here with a 4-speed manual. The selling dealer bought it in January 2026, and it comes with a clean Ohio title. The listing shows 49,900 miles, which the seller marks as true mileage unknown. The bid was $20,000 when we checked, and the auction ends Wednesday, October 7, at 1:40 PM Central. Bids usually climb in the final hours.

The listing doesn't hide the flaws: worn carpet, deteriorating upholstery on the driver's seat, paint scratches and corrosion on underbody components. This is a driver, not a show car. Condition-matched R2 4-speed cars have sold between about $25,500 and $41,800 over the past year, so there is room even if bidding rises.

The value check

When we found it, the bid was $20,000. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $25,500–$41,800, so the middle of the market is about $33,650. That put this car 41% under.

Original-condition R2 4-speed Avantis have sold from $25,500 (BaT, Mar 2026) to $41,800 (Barrett-Jackson, Sep 2026), with nicer R2s reaching $51,000-$58,000 on BaT. At the current $20,000 bid the car sits about 40% under the $33,650 midpoint of condition-matched sales.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1963 Avanti R2 manual, original, BaT Mar 2026, $25,500
• 1963 Avanti R2 4-speed, Barrett-Jackson Sep 2026, $41,800
• 1963 Avanti R2, Hagerty Dec 2025, $41,888
• Studebaker Avanti sold results, classic.com

What to check

• Underbody corrosion is disclosed. Avantis have fiberglass bodies on a steel frame with a steel inner cage, so check the frame rails, the cage around the windshield and A-pillars, and the rocker supports
• Paxton supercharger: check for oil seepage, belt condition and boost. Rebuilding one is specialist work
• Ask for the R2 data: an engine number with the JT prefix and the R-series serial. Plenty of R1 cars have been dressed up as R2s
• Mileage is TMU, so confirm the engine and transmission history
• The disc brakes are early Bendix/Dunlop-style units. Parts are available through Studebaker vendors but take some finding

Making it drive like new

A sympathetic upgrade path keeps the R2 drivetrain intact: rebuild the Paxton, add electronic ignition, convert to a modern dual-circuit master cylinder with updated pads, and fit radial tires with improved shocks and front sway-bar bushings. Any frame or cage corrosion should be repaired before anything else.

How it ended

Bidding reached $25,000 but the car didn't sell (ended Oct 7, 2026). Unsold cars often get relisted, so it may turn up again.