The Avanti R1 was the base offering for the Studebaker Avanti. The R1 was named after its 'R1' engine, which was a naturally aspirated 4.7L V8 unit. These rear wheel drive cars were available with manual or automatic transmissions, and featured front disc brakes. Studebaker built the Avanti R1 until 1964, when the company sold their factory. Production of a largely similar model under the Avanti II name began the following year after the factory and rights to the Avanti were purchased by former Studebaker dealers.