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psdenno

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Posts posted by psdenno

  1. I have to agree with those who suggest just not reading topics that offend, don't interest, or confuse you. Nothing could be easier. No one on the forum is forced to read anything. Being a forum bully or starting a "pissing contest" is counterproductive. If one is unhappy with the forum, move on. It's quite easy.

    Dennis

  2. No worries Glenn. I fully understand how forums work and the many ways the written word can be interpreted. Writing as one who was around when the Avanti was in production, enthusiasts did follow the details of what Studebaker was doing on the Salt Flats.

    I remember being at the dealership "'63 model year" introduction in Superior, WI and seeing the Avanti in the showroom.

    As for how Studebaker viewed the Avanti, I have the 1963 Press Kit, the Public Relations Department release states....

    "Avanti brings to the American motorist numerous "firsts" in performance, safety, and design. Inspired by Sherwood Egbert, Studebaker Corporation President, Avanti has created a new class of sophisticated design and elegance."

    ""Admiittedly, this is not a car for everyone. The advanced styling and engineering is intended to please individuals desiring an automobile of personal prestige and distinction," says Sherwood Egbert"

    "When in motion, the Avanti proclaims action; while standing still, it has an appearance of speed arrested in time."

    The release goes on to mention the association with Benz as an additional "buzz" word. There's also mention that the Avanti would come standard with either a three or a four speed transmission. As we know, the automatic was an option. Hardig's SAE paper on the Avanti (Jan 14-18, 1963) goes into great detail if you get a chance to see a copy.

    So, it appears Studebaker wanted to cover all bases with performance and style.

    Dennis

  3. Understood, and hope you don't take it personal because I love the Avanti, too./quote]

    Of course I don't take it personal. After all, it's just a car and we have a differing point of view on its intangible values. Just trying to broaden your scope a bit to increase your appreciation of a very unique piece of automotive history. Clearly, we both enjoy the Avanti.

    Dennis

  4. As talented as the Granitellis were, the Avantis were never a performance car IMHO, always more of a "personal luxury sport tourer".

    If that was the case, it appears that Studebaker and the brothers Granitelli spent a lot of time, effort, and money on the salt flats just for grins. No telling why Studebaker printed up all those showroom banners listing the records that were broken if the intended Avanti buyer just wanted a country club cruiser. More likely, Studebaker wanted a performance car in the GT style that could meet a range of buyer expectations. Automatics vs. four speeds, Paxton Superchargers vs. air conditioning. Not a lot of options to choose from back then.

    Dennis

    R2470

    R2 4-speed

  5. Sorry, I misunderstood the question. I've seen the pictures of #9 with Halibrands as well as a picture of Paula Murphy on the Salt Flats with #9 after going 161 mph to break the land speed record for a female driver. In the picture, #9 has four stock wheels and hubcaps. Obviously, there were two sets of wheels and tires.

    Perhaps there's someone somewhere who knows the story.

    Dennis

  6. True.

    The front steel wheels on my Avanti came from one of the Bonneville cars. They even had the original Bonneville Allstate slick tread tires on them when I got them. The seller, however, wanted the tires back so I only have the wheels.

    Dennis

  7. I remember meeting him when I toured the factory in 1970. He showed me how he checked to see how smoothly engines ran on finished Avantis. He held a dollar bill by the narrow edge and pressed it to the top of the exhaust pipe. He wanted to see it extending smoothly/horizontally from the pipe with no flutter when the engine was running.

    Dennis

  8. Not a bad thought!...But seriously, if you look at that script on a normal production medallion...it really is kind of small...someone at Studebaker possibly noticed that fact!

    As originally envisioned, the design of the "horn button" was completed on 3/29/62. The lettering was then revised on 4/18/62, but the small lettering remained. At least that's what's indicated on the original factory blueprint I have framed and hanging on my office wall.

    No clue about when the larger lettering that was moved farther out from the center brushed disk came about.

    Dennis

    R2470

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