Ricky Nelson Avanti

[rgallatin]

Ricky Nelson photographed in his 1963 Studebaker Avanti serial no R1607

[studegary]

1606 & 1608 are in the AOAI Roster that I have (2011), but not 1607.

[Studedude]

I think I know what happened to that serial number plate:

[JBOYLE]

Wow, a rare photo of the exclusive "targa top" model.

[spokejr]

Wow, a rare photo of the exclusive "targa top" model.

I believe the proper term is "Brougham" for the top being partially open at the front, especially since there seems to be a good bit of roof still in place ahead of the rear window...

Ken

[DieselJim]

Back in 72, I was working with some of the old Walker drivers that delivered Studebakers. They told me that Rickey had wrecked the Avanty and they brought it back to South Bend. This is hear say.

[StudeRich]

Were you hiding in the Nut Trees at (roscoemacaw) Bob Kabchef's house to get that cool candid Pic Dave?

[8E45E]

I believe the proper term is "Brougham" for the top being partially open at the front, especially since there seems to be a good bit of roof still in place ahead of the rear window...

Or "Sedanca"

More on Ricky Nelson's Avanti here: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.c...ghlight=nelson

Craig

[jlmccuan]

Bob Johnstone's site has some Nelson car info.

http://studebaker-info.org/AVDB1/R1000/63R1607/63r1607.html

[StudeRich]

Pretty interesting stuff Jim, the selling Dealer for Ricky's '63 R2 4 speed Avanti R1607 was non other than the Frank H. Afton Co. Inglewood, CA where my Dad was a salesman!

[rgallatin]

Was Nelson's Avanti R 1607 or R 1431? Avanti R 1607 was for sale online a while back and the ad indicated that it was Nelson's car. It was painted red and does not look like the car in the photo. Now I read on this forum that his car was 63R 1431. Frankly, R 1431 seems to match the car in the photo exactly. Is my published info inaccurate? Or did Nelson own more than one Avanti? So much for trusting the Internet!

[StudeRich]

I think the wacko '55 Champion Deluxe 4 Dr. Craigslist Sellers are fooling with us!

[JBOYLE]

I saw a car that said it belonged to Nelson for sale a few years back. It was out of a museum....but rgallatin has a point. I'm confused too!

[Studebaker Wheel]

Was Nelson's Avanti R 1607 or R 1431? Avanti R 1607 was for sale online a while back and the ad indicated that it was Nelson's car. It was painted red and does not look like the car in the photo. Now I read on this forum that his car was 63R 1431. Frankly, R 1431 seems to match the car in the photo exactly. Is my published info inaccurate? Or did Nelson own more than one Avanti? So much for trusting the Internet!

I have proof that Ricky Nelson purchased his new Avanti in November 1962 from Coventry Motors at 9334 Wilshire Blvd. in Beverly Hills California. It was serial number 63R 1431. Avanti Gold with black vinyl trim with automatic, ps, electric windows and air conditioning etc. Of course it is possible he owned a 2nd Avanti.