SECRET REVEALED! Avanti now operating in Japan

[garyash]

So, as I casually strolled out of the main train station in beautiful downtown Kyoto, Japan this week, there it was in front of me: the giant Avanti building with big signs plastered all over it. Who knew that the entire operation had been secretly moved to this ancient Japanese capital? Is this the location of the new Avanti assembly line? Are all those look-alike cabs in front of the train station really the new Avanti models - or just the Toyota Comfort model favored by Japanese cabbies wearing suits, ties, uniform caps, and white gloves? You'll have to come and see for yourself!



While I contemplated this mystery, I and my business companions enjoyed a grand dinner of fried tofu, tempura, and a special plate of sushi.



Friday morning, I get a 90 minute train ride back to the Osaka airport, a 10 hour flight to San Francisco, a couple hour of layover, then 6 more hours of flying back to Boston, and an hour drive home. Sleep? What's that?

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/indy/gary_indycar25_vvsm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'32 Indy car replica (in progress)
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com

[doug]

Bonzai!

[JBOYLE]

Great story...great trip!

I grew up in Japan, find it fascinating and respect the differences between North America and Japan. And since my wife won't see this, I'll admit to liking the women.
The food...not so much.
I can still remember the sights and smells of the fish mongers.

I'd love to go back...

63 Avanti R1 2788
1914 Stutz Bearcat
(George Barris replica)

Washington State

[Skip Lackie]

No beer?

Skip Lackie
Washington DC

[garyash]

Skip, you know me better than that! Of course there was beer, good draft Asahi, for the first part of dinner. We switched to shoju later - cold, no ice, in big glasses. It's a little like Polish potato vodka but not quite as strong and with more flavor. Fortunately, we stopped at just one shoju.

[Nelsen Motorsports]

Avanti is always moving forward...


Alex Nelsen, 15 year old Studebaker nut.
1954 Champion Coupe
Lizella, GA

[BobGlasscock]

Gary, sounds like your Indy car replica might be faster than all those rides!

'50 Champion, 1 family owner

[Stu Chapman]

Hate to disappoint everyone, but that Avanti sign on the building in Kyoto has been there for several years. When we were there a number of years ago we saw it too and were impressed. Unfortunately we didn't have time to find out what the company does.
Stu Chapman

quote]Originally posted by garyash

So, as I casually strolled out of the main train station in beautiful downtown Kyoto, Japan this week, there it was in front of me: the giant Avanti building with big signs plastered all over it. Who knew that the entire operation had been secretly moved to this ancient Japanese capital? Is this the location of the new Avanti assembly line? Are all those look-alike cabs in front of the train station really the new Avanti models - or just the Toyota Comfort model favored by Japanese cabbies wearing suits, ties, uniform caps, and white gloves? You'll have to come and see for yourself!



While I contemplated this mystery, I and my business companions enjoyed a grand dinner of fried tofu, tempura, and a special plate of sushi.



Friday morning, I get a 90 minute train ride back to the Osaka airport, a 10 hour flight to San Francisco, a couple hour of layover, then 6 more hours of flying back to Boston, and an hour drive home. Sleep? What's that?

[img=left]http://www.studegarage.com/images/indy/gary_indycar25_vvsm.jpg[/img=left] Gary Ash
Dartmouth, Mass.
'32 Indy car replica (in progress)
'48 M5
'65 Wagonaire Commander
'63 Wagonaire Standard
web site at http://www.studegarage.com
[/quote]

[garyash]

I was told that it's a big department store, but since Japanese stores have many different departments, maybe there is one that sells cars.

[Gary1953]

I have seen Avanti mini refrigerators before.
That might be what the company makes.


Gary Sanders
Nixa, MO
President Toy Studebaker Collectors Club. Have an interest in Toy Studebakers? Contact me for details.

[Nelsen Motorsports]

Cars with controls on the "correct side" no less!

quote:Originally posted by garyash

I was told that it's a big department store, but since Japanese stores have many different departments, maybe there is one that sells cars.

Alex Nelsen, 15 year old Studebaker nut.
1954 Champion Coupe
Lizella, GA