I can't say I was ever an Avanti fan, but it was a limited production car, and therefore, not a lot of people bought them. From that point alone, I think they're worth more "stock" than "modified". What do you want to get out of it when you're finally "done" with it? Personally, I've always liked the mostly "stock" appearance of most production cars, with a little owner installed modifications (like wheel, tires, paint, interior, power-train, etc). But leave the body "stockish". I know a lot of guys will say, it's your car, do what you want, but what about after you're gone (we have to be realistic here after all-we all die). Then what? Will your family carry on your "vision", or just sell it to be done with it? How is it worth more, stock or modified? Only YOU can make that decision. Only YOU! I think you know how I feel. I am Butch/56sedandelivery.
The Avanti is an unusual looking car, but I never considered it ugly. I like your modification, it's different but not over done. I think it would look pretty cool with chrome trim in the light recesses, but that's about it.
Like the old saying..” beauty is in the eye of the beholder” ! Everybody likes something, nobody likes everything! I myself always though the Avanties were very special looking, that is really stood out! I didn’t peticulaly like them nor dislike them. But that’s why there are a hundred different styles of cars. Different strokes for different folks! Bones
I liked the hidden lights/door suggestion, then I saw this. Makes more sense a'la '67-'69 T-bird or '66-'67 Charger with "sucker mouth" grille and flip-up doors.
I always thought that the Superbird/Daytona nose and tail would look interesting also, as mentioned earlier. Sent from my SM-T387V using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
If I had an Avanti I think that stock would do me just fine and if I didn't like it I would just find another car. Avantis are easy enough to peddle and they bring good money.
Thank you for all the replies. I have been thinking lately putting it back to original. Since I had a heart attack, diabetes and Agent Orange the promised land may not be too far off and I should think of getting my affairs in order. I can proudly say that 50 years of working on old cars I have never made a dime. I made a couple of bucks hawking paint and the Avanti has paid for itself hundred times over. Do any of you guys wives subtly ask you what your cars are worth just in case.lol
You could add a trim piece like a Corvair has, and change the headlights out to some that have a chrome bezel to break up the body panel on the front end.
Restored originals are bringing in some serious money. Connors motorcars in Pennsylvania has sold a few of them for some pretty good money. They haven't moved in value for 30 years and now they are starting to climb. I helped my friend untangle some spark plug wires He is a bodyman and I told him when I die to put it back to original. He said he could hardly wait
The front was never the Avanti's best styling feature, imo. I don't think yours looks any worse. I go with the emblem though.
Not stupid, OR ugly...just needs tweaking. Lose the gap between the lights, and open up the scoop. (Thanks to themoose for his tremendous Photoshop skills.)
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