1963 Avanti #1001 Rescue Project

Avanti HELM logo


LeMay-AMERICA’S CAR MUSEUM has in its collection, the car that has been designated as Avanti #1001, the first production Avanti sold in America. The car at one time was altered to the condition shown on this page (as it looked when donated to the museum) and is in need of full restoration to bring the car back to the way it looked the day it was first sold. The car was donated to the museum by Dr. Daniel Cook of Lakewood Washington.

Once completed, this Studebaker Avanti will be one of our top exhibiting cars, telling the story of American automotive manufacturing, innovative design and engineering!  We have teamed teaming up with Studebaker historians, Avanti members and clubs to assist with the restoration.

YOU CAN STILL BE A PART OF THE RESCUE OF THIS HISTORIC CAR!

After inspecting the Avanti we have determined the car to be very restorable but needing parts replaced, or rebuilt. The level of restoration was determined by the amount of parts and donation’s for the car. All donors contributing funds, parts, and/labor will be acknowledged for helping restore this historic Avanti.

We decided this car deserved a show quality restoration to original specifications, as specified when it was first produced. 

 All donations are tax deductible and you can help sponsor part, or all of this project.

DO YOU HAVE A PART OR SERVICE TO DONATE? PLEASE CONTACT the 
Collection Manager, vehicledonations@lemaymuseum.org  or 253-683-3967
WORK IS IN PROGRESS!

Click here for Parts LIST and PROGRESS PAGES!

Avanti green

Avanti rear R

UPDATE: above card was found by Lew Schucart, Editor of Avanti Magazine and sent to us, showing the car was once owned by Dick Goldfarb. No date was on the card so we are not sure when and where the car was for sale by Mr. Goldfarb.  Another piece of the puzzle uncovered!  Thank you Lew!

1963 Avanti #1001 data:
-    The serial number for the car 63R 1001
-    The order date was 4/26/1962
-    Final assembly date was 6/1962
-    Shipping date was 6/25/1962
-    Body Number for the car 63R-Q, then 101 was added
-    Body color originally Avanti White
-    Interior originally Deluxe Orange
-    Engine, R2, #RS1002 -matches the build sheet
-    Car came with: hill holder, front and rear seat belts, rear speaker, antenna, white wall tires, twin traction

Build sheet thanks to Andrew Beckman, Archivist for the Studebaker National Museum


UPDATE: We received a copy of a Studebaker Internal Appropriation memo dated 6-8-62 from Studebaker Historian John Hull, showing "1-62R Serial No. 1001" to be allocated for South Bend Technical  Training Center. The memo and accompanying "Authorization of Expenditures" document authorizes the use of 5 cars to Technical Training Centers around the country. 
The purpose was  to "develop shop manuals and present Avanti Technical Service Training Program to corporate and dealer personnel."  Thank you Mr. Hull!