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The R3 engine which is/was under the hood of Avanti R5482 was previously under the hood of the ‘Studependous’ drag race Lark….. That R3 engine (B300) started life as an R4 Avanti engine…… True?

Let’s toss you the trophy… Correct!

No ‘bites’ here?

Exactly!…. But I’d say their strategy probably didn’t convince many perspective buyers that a car that was a ‘63 last week is now, on a certain date, a ‘64!…..As we know, Studebaker’s Automotive Division was really ‘on the rocks’ by then.

I did … The letter I’m quoting was written earlier than the document which you posted…. which indicates the Company changed its mind?? On the other hand, Mr. Minkel’s title with Studebaker is ‘President’ in the earlier letter, while Mr. Challinor’s title is ‘ V.P. and GM of the parts & service division. I would think Mr. Minkel’s letter would hold sway over Mr. Challinor’s ….(My opinion)….Ed Also… The earlier (Minkel’s) letter was sent out to all Studebaker Dealers)

It had to be a difficult time for Studebaker Corporation during the summer of 1963…. The idea of calling unsold Avanti automobiles, originally built and considered 1963 models 1964’s after a certain date, seems highly unusual to me!…. More on this oddity in the AVANTI TRIVIA section.

Studebaker Corporation, in 1963, apparently issued two different ‘start’ dates for unsold 1963 models to be titled as 1964 models…. The dates are 9/1/63 and 10/1/63….The jury is out, and I’m asking Ron to check into this.

Please read the above letter which I quoted from… it indicates 10/1/63 as the model year change date… Also, I suggested Ron contact Mr. Krem for a ruling here…Ed

Ron….I see the one month discrepancy between the two letters…. suggest you contact Mr. George Krem for his opinion concerning this….Ed

Check your AOAI Magazine Issue #60, page 15….A letter issued by Lewis Minkel of the Studebaker Corporation, and reprinted by noted Studebaker/Avanti expert George Krem, reads…..(QUOTE) ”Effective October 1, 1963, and until further notice, all new and unused Avanti models, when first sold at retail and licensed or titled after the October 1, 1963 date, will carry the registration year designation year 1964.” The above referenced document, originally issued in 1963 by Studebaker Corporation, indicates (to me anyway) that the correct answer to this trivia question is 10/1/63…. Ed

I believe R5642 did have an all ‘Metallic Red Vinyl’ interior… but that discontinued color was special ordered… a personal preference of the original purchaser of the car.

Sorry psdenno, but the reprint of a Studebaker document which I have indicates a date which isn’t mentioned above.

This is relevant, however, not the reason that the date of 10/1/63 is truly important in the story of the Avanti. Any other thoughts concerning this date?

The first four model years of the 1980s carried a base price increase of …….?……. for new Avanti automobiles. 1) $1,970……2) $2,555…..3)$ 4,495…or…4) $5,880

Why is 10/1/63 an important date in the history of the Studebaker Avanti?

Apparently, Studebaker thought styling revisions for the ‘64 model year Avantis would be a good idea, and the ‘square lights’ on Winfield’s model kit, which came out months before R4130 was pulled from the production line to be modified, appealed to them. That’s what MAY have happened!

Well Gunslinger, you’re ’right on the money’ when you mentioned the rather elaborate dual snorkel L69 air cleaner assy, with its twin intake hoses leading down over the front tires to left & right grills installed in the valance panel…. a dead give away at a glance! Well done!

Answer…. ‘Probably’ #3…. Mr. Gene Winfield!

What is a quick visual way to determine if a stock 1984 Avanti is equipped with either a LG4 305 engine or the more powerful L69 305 engine? (without checking engine code numbers)

1984 Avanti ‘Touring Coupes’ were available in …..?….. special exterior colors. 1) Three….. 2) Four…3) Five….or….4) Six

Other thoughts?

Answer…. #3… The R3 engine that was previously raced in the ‘Studependous’ drag race ‘60 Lark!

Good thought Nels… but the answer would be found in one of the four (now 3!) above.

Yes, a good man…. Paul sold me different NOS Avanti items over the years at very fair prices… and was certainly thinking ahead when he purchased and brought back to the U.S. the two still crated R3 and R4 Paxton built Studebaker engines.

Yes, gas level sensor is old style float type (probably cork… which can deteriorate with age … like me!) 10 lbs should be plenty… have someone listen for air bubbles at fuel inlet….Ed