Avanti introduction footage to Dallas-area dealers, May 1962

[Bill Pressler]

A hometown friend sent me this clip this morning. I had not seen it. I am aware that this is the way the Avanti was introduced, but it's cool to see the video.

The three older men seated in folding chairs, shown briefly in the clip--can anyone identify them? I know who they are but let's see some other guesses.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICdYuVBooMA&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR3ZXzU6BXKDxym4Wy7EX8jzn8qTsn3mVrDxAK5yVK2RXnlpFFdK17hLDMA

[bezhawk]

I might have the gold one in my shop . Nope it's an R2. So probably a Board of directors show car. Hand laid up strips of fiberglass. Lots of small differences.

[BobPalma]

Let's make this a Pop Quiz, Bill: The first person you confirm as having identified the men correctly will be sent an NOS copy of the small 1964 Studebaker full-line brochure, P.D.-64-11:
Be sure to PM me with their correct name and full address.

[Bill Pressler]

I should concede, that now I have a slight doubt as to who I think the gentleman in the center chair is. I still think I'm right, but less sure than the other two gentlemen.

[Bill Pressler]

No takers yet?

[StudeRich]

The Guy on the Right resembles Roy Bender or a younger Churchill, really looks familiar but I am confused as to ANY of their actual identities.

I wonder if Egbert would have been there somewhere?

Bez, if you have a significant "EX" Gold R2 4 Speed '63 Avanti in your shop, it COULD be the one used for the L.A. Airlift Event, just not the Dallas one.

[Avantict]

Idenitification and Additional Details

The Guy on the Right resembles Roy Bender or a younger Churchill, really looks familiar but I am confused as to ANY of their actual identities.

I wonder if Egbert would have been there somewhere?

Bez, if you have a significant "EX" Gold R2 4 Speed '63 Avanti in your shop, it COULD be the one used for the L.A. Airlift Event, just not the Dallas one.

Bender, Suslavich and Minkel

Both Avantis are prototypes currently owned by Dave Kinney and are also the New York Auto Show Cars

Finalizing new book on Operation Airlift

FYI - Airlift stopped in Dayton Ohio May 8, 1962 site of this years AOAI National Convention.

[bezhawk]

So, it IS the gold one Rich! It's about #5 on the list to be restored.

[Bill Pressler]

Bender, Suslavich and Minkel

Both Avantis are prototypes currently owned by Dave Kinney and are also the New York Auto Show Cars

Finalizing new book on Operation Airlift

FYI - Airlift stopped in Dayton Ohio May 8, 1962 site of this years AOAI National Convention.

I was wrong on the guy in the center. I thought he was Cliff MacMillan, but then thought the guy in the center seemed taller than MacMillan.

Definitely Bender on the left and Minkel on the right.

Bender used to call on my hometown dealer, and a good friend of mine went to his retirement dinner in South Bend along with my friend's boss, the owner of Mack Auto Sales in Akron, OH, whom Bender also used to call on.

[BobPalma]

So, Bill, is John Hull the winner? 'Looks like it! BP

[Bill Pressler]

I remember reading that Suslavich used to be with Chrysler and had something to do with the introduction of the Valiant.

[avantilover]

Interesting video, must have cost them a fortune considering the board wanted to shut down automotive operations.

[Bill Pressler]

So, Bill, is John Hull the winner? 'Looks like it! BP

Bob, my guess is that John has had that piece since Sept. '63, but we'll let him chime in!

Egbert was not at the Cleveland airlift my hometown dealer friend went to. At the podium they had a large photo of Egbert, as I have pics of that day at Cleveland (although very dark).

I see in the video that near the podium is a covered or draped area which I believe is probably the same photo of Egbert I saw in my friend's Cleveland airlift pics.

[BobPalma]

Bob, my guess is that John has had that piece since Sept. '63, but we'll let him chime in!

Egbert was not at the Cleveland airlift my hometown dealer friend went to. At the podium they had a large photo of Egbert, as I have pics of that day at Cleveland (although very dark).

I see in the video that near the podium is a covered or draped area which I believe is probably the same photo of Egbert I saw in my friend's Cleveland airlift pics.

OK, Bill; I'll take that as a "yes" and send John a small brochure for having been the first person to post the correct answer. BP