1984 Avanti, the car that time forgot

"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland) 07/15/2020 at 11:03 • Filed to: Found on Montana Craigslist

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Get your one of a kind car here for the low price of about $10,000. It’s like a volvo P1800 met a Mustang II and was then squashed by a Buick.

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Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:13

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But a 305?? Odometer shows 17,xxx miles. I’m sure  it hasn’t turned over...

Future next gen S2000 owner > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:17

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I like those cars. Seems like a NP.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 07/15/2020 at 11:17

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https://greatfalls.craigslist.org/cto/d/great-falls-1984-avanti/7144982772.html

Note my search criteria was “Crack”.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:19

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An intriguing car, though, and looks to be in good condition other than the faded paint.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Future next gen S2000 owner 07/15/2020 at 11:22

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I have no idea as to value on these cars, it’s very unique and not in terrible condition so it seemed like a cool thing to share.

For Sweden > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:27

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Sure but what about this Town Car

https://greatfalls.craigslist.org/cto/d/great-falls-vanity-lincolin-town-car/7151380194.html

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > For Sweden 07/15/2020 at 11:32

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Please stop shouting at me:

BEAUTIFUL EXECUTIVE LINCOLIN TOWNCAR . ALLWAYS GARAGED AND NOT DROVE THE LAST 3 YEARS. MICHELIN TIRES , LEATHER SEATS, ELECTRIC SEATS, NEW WINDSIELD AND CLEAN EXTERIOR. SERVICED REGULARY AND BURNS NO OIL. REALLY, REALLY NICE CAR.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:37

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My dad’s friend had one that he resto-modd ed. Nothing crazy, just some wheels, custom paint, and a 400 SBC with a Muncie M22 behind it. He owned a body shop and loved these things and was very knowledgeable about them.

I remember him saying the bodies were difficult to work with as the fiberglass was thin in places. He also said they were parts-bin specials, and built a bit like a Lotus, meaning that every model year is different based on what parts they could scrounge up. I think they mostly used Chevy bits (switchgear, wiring, lighting, etc.) but sometimes they used Ford stuff.  Sometimes they used foreign stuff, and sometimes they switched suppliers halfway through model years and stuff like that. Basically, there’s no standardization so you are going to wind up spending a lot of time at the parts counter at NAPA trying to match things up. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:37

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My dad’s friend had one that he resto-modd ed. Nothing crazy, just some wheels, custom paint, and a 400 SBC with a Muncie M22 behind it. He owned a body shop and loved these things and was very knowledgeable about them.

I remember him saying the bodies were difficult to work with as the fiberglass was thin in places. He also said they were parts-bin specials, and built a bit like a Lotus, meaning that every model year is different based on what parts they could scrounge up. I think they mostly used Chevy bits (switchgear, wiring, lighting, etc.) but sometimes they used Ford stuff.  Sometimes they used foreign stuff, and sometimes they switched suppliers halfway through model years and stuff like that. Basically, there’s no standardization so you are going to wind up spending a lot of time at the parts counter at NAPA trying to match things up. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:37

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My dad’s friend had one that he resto-modd ed. Nothing crazy, just some wheels, custom paint, and a 400 SBC with a Muncie M22 behind it. He owned a body shop and loved these things and was very knowledgeable about them.

I remember him saying the bodies were difficult to work with as the fiberglass was thin in places. He also said they were parts-bin specials, and built a bit like a Lotus, meaning that every model year is different based on what parts they could scrounge up. I think they mostly used Chevy bits (switchgear, wiring, lighting, etc.) but sometimes they used Ford stuff.  Sometimes they used foreign stuff, and sometimes they switched suppliers halfway through model years and stuff like that. Basically, there’s no standardization so you are going to wind up spending a lot of time at the parts counter at NAPA trying to match things up. 

ranwhenparked > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 11:40

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I actually really like Avantis, especially the mid ‘80s ones that still had the original Studebaker chassis and 1960s jet age dashboard, but got the upgraded Recaro seats and the body colored integrated bumpers and blacked out trim. Really a good balance between vintage and 80s modern.

But, I have noticed that there is a very wide gap in prices between “runs and drives, little rough around the edges” and show quality, like 2-3x difference in value. There must be a reason for that, the drivetrain is standard GM stuff, but anything Avanti specific is probably rare and expensive.

If I had a good and cheap way to get a car from Montana to Delaware, I might bite on that one, but it would probably sell before I could get myself organized.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/15/2020 at 11:41

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Kinja’d.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 12:07

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I would automatically agree, but I’m on shitty work internet right now and I don’t trust it for a second.  So both?

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Snuze: Needs another Swede 07/15/2020 at 12:08

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It’s a very cool and unusual car, I love the idea of a big block monster motor in such an unusual chassis. 

Snuze: Needs another Swede > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 12:19

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That would be awesome. Apparently, though, it took a lot of massaging to get the SBC in. Not saying a big block wouldn’t fit, but it would be rather difficult.

Sadly my dad’s friend passed away suddenly, shortly after he finished the car. I sometimes wonder what ever happened to it?

LastFirstMI is my name > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 12:48

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“Garaged  and not drove the last 3 years” means it hasn’t run in 3 years, and was probably parked under a pigeon colony on a salt pile for the 10 years before that.

fintail > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 12:56

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Haven’t checked AC lol - I bet a squirrel pops out of the vents if you switch it on.

These were quite expensive when new. Would probably look much better with a heavy detail.  Price is no bargain, but one could do worse.

Khalbali > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 07/15/2020 at 14:00

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I shit you not I just saw one in person for the first time either yesterday or the day before, same color too.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Khalbali 07/15/2020 at 14:10

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That’s something you are not going to miss rolling down the road.