murph the surf

'63 R1, a/c, automatic. Over Christmas break in 1969, a teacher at the Jr. High School I was attending bought a used '63, white with orange interior (the "creamsicle", version as some Studebaker executives referred to it as ). I spotted the Avanti in the parking lot, and, having never seen one before, was immediately obsessed!. A few weeks later, on my way home from school, I spotted another '63 in the identical color combination. I chased the car down on my bicycle, and caught up with the driver at a stop sign. Fred,who was amazed at this 12 year old's extensive knowledge of the Studebaker Avanti, had been a long-time loyal Studebaker owner, and had bought the car for his wife the day the announcement was made that the South Bend plant would be closing and that the Avanti would no longer be made. He always kept his Avanti in showroom condition, and eventually started taking it to car shows in the '80's and '90's. Fred and I became life-long friends. We shared the same birthdate, and always called each other on our birthday. Fast forward to 2008 - on the call with me that day, Fred said "Jim, I'm turning 80, and it's time to sell the Avanti". I just couldn't believe it. I asked him if anyone in his family wanted it. He said "No. And the car is already sold" My heart was broken-I just couldn't picture Fred without his Avanti, or the possibility of not seeing the car again. I asked him who was buying it. "You", he answered. Huh?????...He went on to say that over the years, he had turned down numerous requests and offers to sell the car, as he had made up his mind that he wanted me to own it after his stewardship. Today the car has 42,000 miles, I'm the second owner, and it remains in showroom condition. Don't worry, Fred-I'm taking good care of her!

!964 R2. Completely original car (other than Real Rodder's 'Halibrands'), including the paint. I am the third owner.