1989 Avanti convertible
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The Avanti (including the Avanti II) is an American performance sports coupe (later a convertible) based on the Studebaker Avanti and marketed through a succession of five different ownership arrangements between 1965 and 2006.
The company was acquired and run from 1987 until 1991 by John J. Cafaro. With the financial assistance of the State of Ohio, he moved all Avanti production from South Bend, its birthplace, to Youngstown, Ohio. In 1988 and 1989, Avanti made two-door coupes and a convertible. The 1988 Avanti was called the "Silver Year" models, marking 25 years since the Avanti's introduction. In 1989, Cafaro lost faith in the original coupe and introduced a four-door version, of which 90 were built. Only 405 Avantis were made in four years at the Youngstown plant, which closed in 1991. The 1989 Avanti convertible pictured here was for sale on Craig's List, in Glendale, Arizona, in mid-June of 2024. The asking price was $24, 995. The listing stated, in part: 1989 avanti convertible,with just 10,459 miles, this california car is all original, v8 with 4 speed automatic transmission, finished in light blue metallic with blue top and blue leather, this is 1 of only 100 produced in 1989, from california, how many were blue, this is a rust free loaded car, with power windows, blue leatherpower seats, disc brakes, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, power door locks, keyless entry, cold ac, wire wheels. |
At time of this writing, many more photos are at: classicsportsandtrucks.net
Here I am with an original Studebaker Avanti at Barrett-Jackson in 2005:
