FROM THE PRESIDENT
H
I want to give Special Thanks to Jim Pearce for all his
ow many miles did you put on your Avanti this
past year? How many car shows did you and years on the board, serving as VP and Judging committee
chairman. Jim worked hard on the judging guidelines and
your Avanti attend this summer?
I know the southern states stayed sheltered from the provided lots of common sense to the board. He will be
heat while waiting for the cool weather to blow in but truly missed on the conference calls. I also want to thank
those of us in the Northern states took every advantage we Kara for running for office. Even though she didn’t get
could to enjoy the weather. My wife, Yvonne & I went to elected this time, Kara has offered to assist on a commit-
Mukwonago, Wis., in September to visit my folks and at- tee. Thanks to Don Lindner for serving several years on
the board. He will contin-
tend the St. James Parish
ue as Memorabilia Chair-
Festival. Of course, they
man. Don was instrumen-
had a huge car show. The
tal in getting the
real treat was talking with
Operations Manual star-
Jim Pepper who hosted
ted, among other things.
the event. He rallied up a
I’m looking forward to
couple of Avantis and
another productive year!
nearly a dozen
Studebakers.
❏
I had the pleasure of
The 40th Anniversary
meeting Ron Paap who
of the Avanti Chapter
owns a beautiful red ’63
Fundraiser program has
Avanti. It was a definite
received lots of support
400 point car which Ron
from various AOAI Chap-
restored himself. Phil Sol-
ters and has created some
heim attended, but his
more PR for AOAI. The
Avanti had some troubles
deadline is December
in the morning so it didn’t make it. My dad drove his 1981 15th if your chapter wishes to participate. See page 25 of
Avanti.
Issue 123 for more details.
❏
Has anyone put or seen a baby seat in the back of an
Avanti? If not, you’ll see one this summer since Yvonne
and I are expecting a baby in April. Another reason to get
the 63R2259 finished by spring and ready for Charlotte.
❏
I hope everyone is keeping their memories of Tom
Kellogg alive. If you haven’t done so already, I recommend
you buy the video “Five Weeks in the Desert, The Birth of
the Avanti” featuring conversations with Tom Kellogg. It
is available from the Studebaker National Museum (574)
235-9714 for $19.95 plus shipping. See their advertisement
in the Avanti Magazine. We showed this video during the
Indiana Chapter Fall Event and everyone really enjoyed
it! I’m sure you will too.
❏
AOAI membership continues to grow! We are receiving
many inquires to join our association on a monthly basis.
Keep promoting and have fun talking about the Avanti.
This cosmic car as Tom Kellogg says has a way of drawing
people to it. We just need to welcome them to the club.
❏
Election Results: I want to congratulate and welcome
Jeff Grohs and Roland Vardon to the board along with re-
turning directors: Terri Litke, Steve Montgomery and
Hugh Edfors. Your officers for 2004 are Mike Baker, Pres-
ident; Don Jones, Vice President; Terri Litke, Treasurer,
and Jeff Grohs, Secretary. I look forward to working with
all of them.
4
AVANTI Magazine
❏
When your family and friends ask what you want for
Christmas, tell them you want an all expense paid trip to
Charlotte, N.C., in 2004 so you can attend the AOAI Inter-
national Meet. This would be a great gift. Tell your boss
now about your vacation plans. Think of all the memories
you will create and cherish for many years. It might take
some extra persuasion to get spending money to shop at
the SWAP MEET but it’s worth a try. If this fails, just give
them a list of parts you need to get your Avanti in better
shape. The Avanti Marketplace pages are loaded with
goodies and vendors to buy from. Everyone needs to do
their part in keeping the economy going in a positive di-
rection!
❏
Progress on 63R2259: My dad & I got the window wiper
post repaired and finished the body work and primed the
car. Now, it is time to work on a new wiring harness and
redo the interior. In the springtime, I’m going to paint the
Avanti gold and put it all back together so I can drive it to
Charlotte. Are you driving your Avanti?
❏
So, how many miles are you going to put on your Avanti
in 2004? I hope it’s at least as many as 2003 if not double.
Maybe we should have a contest to see who drives and
shows their Avanti the most? What do you think?
Happy Holidays!
Mike
Fall/Winter 2003
Issue 124