Avanti VIN Research

[Brian_RPV]

I’m new to this forum and have a question regarding the best way to track down a car based on an old license plate number.  My parents purchased a new 1963 Avanti and the Black California plate issued to the car at the time was KKE 285. I tried contacting California DMV, but they stated the date fell outside their active records.  Any thoughts on how to track down the VIN number? I’m curious where the car is today. The car was sold to a new owner around 1979 in the San Diego (California) area.  

[psdenno]

29 minutes ago, Brian_RPV said:

I’m new to this forum and have a question regarding the best way to track down a car based on an old license plate number.  My parents purchased a new 1963 Avanti and the Black California plate issued to the car at the time was KKE 285. I tried contacting California DMV, but they stated the date fell outside their active records.  Any thoughts on how to track down the VIN number? I’m curious where the car is today. The car was sold to a new owner around 1979 in the San Diego (California) area.  

Can you track down any old car insurance policy forms which would list the VIN or contact the insurance company that wrote the policy when your parents had the car?

[Nelson]

Were your parents the original owners? Do you know if it was supercharged, automatic, 4 speed. Color combination. Are you sure t was a 63 and not a 64 with square headlight glass versus round for 63?

[mfg]

Avantis have an excellent survival rate, as they were ‘special’ from day one…..

Would you mind listing the specifics of your parents Avanti.. as best as you can remember? (color in & out, engine type, etc)

[Brian_RPV]

My parents were the original owners - it was a 63 with round headlamps, an R1 in Avanti Gold with fawn interior, an automatic transmission, power steering, without air conditioning. It was purchased new in San Diego, California; I don’t have any old papers such as insurance policies, records, etc.  I’m looking for advice on how to use the known license plate (when new) to track down the VIN. Perhaps there is no way of obtaining records without being an DMV insider. Any insight is appreciated.  


 

[psdenno]

2 hours ago, Brian_RPV said:

My parents were the original owners - it was a 63 with round headlamps, an R1 in Avanti Gold with fawn interior, an automatic transmission, power steering, without air conditioning. It was purchased new in San Diego, California; I don’t have any old papers such as insurance policies, records, etc.  I’m looking for advice on how to use the known license plate (when new) to track down the VIN. Perhaps there is no way of obtaining records without being an DMV insider. Any insight is appreciated.  


 

This suggestion is a long shot, but may be worth a try.  The Studebaker National Museum has factory files for Studebaker Avantis.  They have, and sell, copies of IBM punch cards listing original owners of each car sold.  I know they can bring up the document by VIN.  They may also be able to find it by original owner's name.  It might be worth calling to see what they can do.

[Brian_RPV]

11 hours ago, psdenno said:

This suggestion is a long shot, but may be worth a try.  The Studebaker National Museum has factory files for Studebaker Avantis.  They have, and sell, copies of IBM punch cards listing original owners of each car sold.  I know they can bring up the document by VIN.  They may also be able to find it by original owner's name.  It might be worth calling to see what they can do.

Thank you, sounds like it’s worth a try - I appreciate your help. 
 

[regnalbob]

On 11/17/2024 at 8:49 PM, Brian_RPV said:

My parents were the original owners - it was a 63 with round headlamps, an R1 in Avanti Gold with fawn interior, an automatic transmission, power steering, without air conditioning. It was purchased new in San Diego, California; I don’t have any old papers such as insurance policies, records, etc.  I’m looking for advice on how to use the known license plate (when new) to track down the VIN. Perhaps there is no way of obtaining records without being an DMV insider. Any insight is appreciated.  


 

If your parents were members of the AOAI they could be listed in an early AOAI Roster.

Could you post the last name?

Speculation from the above info. 

Don B & Kathleen Rearick

63R-1685

 

Edited November 19 by regnalbob
Added info

[ronmanfredi]

Do you know the Rxxxx body Tag Number?

 

[mfg]

Well, if nothing else Brian, you can see Avanti folks are interested in finding your parents car!!

[Brian_RPV]

UPDATE: Good News!
I contacted the Studebaker National Museum this week and they were able to track down the records based on the family’s name. I appreciate all the recommendations and advice - what a great Avanti community! 
 

[psdenno]

38 minutes ago, Brian_RPV said:

UPDATE: Good News!
I contacted the Studebaker National Museum this week and they were able to track down the records based on the family’s name. I appreciate all the recommendations and advice - what a great Avanti community! 
 

Glad to hear it worked out for you!  I wasn't sure what the SNM could pull up when I made the suggestion.  Post the VIN here and maybe someone can tell you a little more about the car.

[Brian_RPV]

I received a copy of the production order today listing the VIN: R63-1926

perhaps they are a member or read this forum and can provide an update on the car   
 

 

[AG-R3]

On 11/20/2024 at 11:17 PM, psdenno said:

  Post the VIN here and maybe someone can tell you a little more about the car.

   No Data

[Footer]

Don’t know if this gives any clues.
Bob Johnstone’s site:

Former Owners/Locales;
San Diego - 1979
Delivered to California 1963

[Brian_RPV]

Thank you, this website appears to support that a San Diego resident purchased the car from my parents in 1979. I remember the car was sold to a San Diego resident who I thought was a Studebaker collector. Unfortunately there is no additional information on this website - the search continues…