2007 Avanti Convertible

Gateway Classic Cars Houston showroom is excited to present this two-owner "Ombra Gray" 2007 Avanti convertible for sale. This Avanti is one of the last 20 ever built by Avanti Motors and was purchased from its original owner by the current owner, so it's well documented. The original Avanti was penned by Raymond Loewy in 1961 for Studebaker, but only saw a short production run beginning in 1962 with Studebaker before they closed. In 1962, the Avanti was quite unlike the rest of the cars on American roads, low, sleek, and very sporty looking. It wasn't loaded down with superfluous fins or decorated with as much unnecessary chrome as the rest of the industry's products were stuck with; but was both subtle and striking at the same time. Unfortunately, Studebaker closed its South Bend, IN plant in December 1963, so production of the fiberglass bodied Avanti was halted, until the Avanti name (and all related tooling and facilities) were purchased by Nate Altman and Leo Newman. Altman and Newman brought it back successfully and sold quite a few units before selling the business to Stephen Blake in 1982. This 2007 Avanti is the result of the last generation of Avanti ownership and production under Michael Kelly, who purchased Avanti Motors. One of only 20 built before production permanently ended, this gorgeous convertible carries on the svelte lines that Loewy brought to life, but with somewhat expanded dimensions, and in topless livery. This Avanti originally stickered at a whopping $82,850, which seems to be quite a lot; however, when one considers that this is essentially a hand-built car, with several bespoke features, the number seems to be less crazy. Its Ombra Gray fiberglass body looks awesome and shows very well. The black convertible top is practically like new and is in great shape. Under the hood, you'll find the 300HP fuel-injected 4.6L powerplant, which is backed by a 5-speed automatic transmission: so you know it has plenty of power (and the right gearing) to move you along with the kind of excitement that a proper "4 Passenger Luxury Sports Car" should convey. Inside, the two-tone gray interior is a great carryover from the outside color scheme, and it has that wonderful leather smell. One option not depicted on the Monroney is the custom 20" aluminum wheels, which are skinned with some ultra-sticky 265/35ZR20 Pirelli PZero high-performance radial tires. This 2007 Avanti is loaded with Power Convertible Top, Front Fog Lamps, Stainless Steel Dual Exhaust, Dual Power Mirrors, Variable Interval Wipers, Rear Window Defroster, Audio System with AM/FM/Stereo/6CD Changer, MP3 capability, AUX input jack, and 8 Speakers. In addition, it has Air Conditioning, Leather Seating, Power 6-way Driver's Seat, Center console with armrest, Cruise Control, Tilt Wheel, Power Locks and Windows, 4-wheel Antilock disk brakes, Power Rack and Pinion Steering, Traction Control, Driver and Passenger Airbags, Seat Belts, Keyless Entry, Anti-theft System, and Spare tire and Jack. Now is your chance to own an ultra-rare piece of history, so don't hesitate! For more information on this 2007 Avanti, to see all the HD pictures and videos of it, copy the URL below, and see it at this direct link: www.gatewayclassiccars.com/show/HOU/2075 . Alternatively, you may also call the showroom at (832) 243-6220 or email us at for more info.