Curious Avanti #9 mod?

[mfg]

This question I’d be interested in learning the answer to……….

During the ‘63 Studebaker Bonneville speed runs, Avanti #9 is shown with a curious 2-3” hose protruding from the rear radio speaker grill into a clear plastic tube which then connects to a solid black rubber hose which in turn loops down into the trunk, passing through the trunk access hatch…. (access lid removed)

What’s was the purpose  of that contraption?.. And did the removed back up lights on deck lid have something to do with it?

[Geoff]

I know factually the reverse lights and trunk access panel having been removed was a way to reduce air pressure inside the rear of the car. Fans of Avanti know that built up air pressure wants to blow out the rear window. Airflow under, around, and behind the car worked to suck out interior air from the holes where the reverse lights were.

I'm in the dark when it comes to the clear tube and black rubber hose aspects without knowing specifically where everything was aimed. They could have been trying to get cool air to blow on the differential and/or rear brakes for all we know.

The black rubber hose looping: would that be a way to "artificially" add force?
On the same wavelength as the winged Mopars' spoilers. They weren't built that high to clear the trunk, that's the "plausible deniability" explanation.

[mfg]

19 minutes ago, Geoff said:

I know factually the reverse lights and trunk access panel having been removed was a way to reduce air pressure inside the rear of the car. Fans of Avanti know that built up air pressure wants to blow out the rear window. Airflow under, around, and behind the car worked to suck out interior air from the holes where the reverse lights were.

I'm in the dark when it comes to the clear tube and black rubber hose aspects without knowing specifically where everything was aimed. They could have been trying to get cool air to blow on the differential and/or rear brakes for all we know.

The black rubber hose looping: would that be a way to "artificially" add force?
On the same wavelength as the winged Mopars' spoilers. They weren't built that high to clear the trunk, that's the "plausible deniability" explanation.

Yes.. really odd… there is a clear view of this setup through the rear window in the 1963 Studebaker Bonneville speed runs video on You Tube……

(1963 STUDEBAKER TEST RUNS AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS)…. You Tube

Edited Sunday at 11:20 PM by mfg
Added Text

[mfg]

Also… the Due Cento has the hole in the rear speaker grille and, like #9, the access panel was removed… however there is no hose apparatus as in #9.

[Nelson]

 I think what you are talking about is the fuel tank vent for quick filling.

[mfg]

1 hour ago, Nelson said:

 I think what you are talking about is the fuel tank vent for quick filling.

That makes perfect sense… and the short piece of clear plastic (glass?) possibly shown gasoline overfill, indicating a completely full tank.

Excess gasoline or gas fumes possibly exited #9 through the removed back up lights?

Leave it to the Granatellis!!!!!

Edited Monday at 03:34 AM by mfg
Added text

[Geoff]

19 hours ago, Nelson said:

 I think what you are talking about is the fuel tank vent for quick filling.

Ha ha. I read this and my brain went to a Vinwiki video. It's one of the regular guests talking about Penske & Donohue during their SCCA Trans-Am years; the 20+ foot high tower of gasoline which filled Donohue's 30 gal. fuel tank in under four seconds.

https://youtu.be/EC5KYwxvqjs?si=M_-t2YVvBuqpuJJj
The whole video is excellent, the fuel bit starts at 10:02

[mfg]

On 1/13/2025 at 5:31 PM, Geoff said:

Ha ha. I read this and my brain went to a Vinwiki video. It's one of the regular guests talking about Penske & Donohue during their SCCA Trans-Am years; the 20+ foot high tower of gasoline which filled Donohue's 30 gal. fuel tank in under four seconds.

https://youtu.be/EC5KYwxvqjs?si=M_-t2YVvBuqpuJJj
The whole video is excellent, the fuel bit starts at 10:02

Yes!… That really is an interesting / entertaining video!!