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SilverHawkDan
Champion Member
USA
2 Posts |
 Posted - 01/31/2010 : 4:40:55 PM
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Hello Everyone,
My
name is Dan and I was asked yesterday (Sat 1-30-10) by an SDC member to
post the story of the Bukre Bros Avanti for your entertainment. I was
at the Sacramento Auto Museum admiring the #9 (R1007) Avanti when I
realized that my docent was The Studebaker Dude. He was very
knowledgeable and helpful and allowed me to gain upclose access to the
car. If you get a chance to visit the area, stop by and be sure and ask
for The Studebaker Dude. The museum is a real treat.
In the
interest of space I will give you the readers digest version of the
amazing story of the restoring of a Studebaker legend. In September of
last year I was discussing my book that I am writing and because of my
health issues the subject of Bucket Lists came up. So I posted my
bucket list online at RacingStudebakers.com (RS). One of the items left
on my list was a 47 year old desire to race a Studebaker at Bonneville.
My first exposure to Bonneville was in 1963 when a customer of my
dad's, Andy Granatelli, took a fleet of Studebaker's to Bonneville and
turned the automotive world upside down. Of the three things left on my
list that one seemed the least likely to ever be crossed off the list.
But I am learning that you should never underestimate the people who
drive and love Studebakers, especially the ones who race them.
A
customer and friend of mine bought a Harry Hoffman built 1953 Champion
set up for the Golden State Classic race in Nevada. I asked if I could
use it for Bonneville and the owner told me he would get back to me as
the car belonged to his wife. In the mean time I posted pictures of the
car at RS.com and asked if the Bonneville guys thought it would make a
salt racer. Everyone thought it was meant to race on the salt. So much
so that another club memeber told me that his son had a Bonneville
engine being built and that he would lend it to me to fill my Bucket
List item. Then the 53 was not going to be available without some heavy
cash. So my dream was crushed and I posted my disappointment on the RS
site.
What happened next is still hard for me to believe. A club
member put up a post stating that he owned the #90 Burke Bros. Avanti
and that he would let me borrow it to go to Bonneville and chase the
dream. Long story short, the car is now in Morro Bay, CA being restored
to it's racing glory and is scheduled to race at El Mirage in May and
Bonneville in August. A number of RS club members have been offering me
everything from encouragement to parts to help me reach the goal. I
will post pictures and updates as time allows if there is any interest.
We have been invited to bring the car in whatever condition it is in to
the May Studebaker meeting at the Petersen Museum to allow people to
see the car and hear the amazing story behind the car and the project.
Silver Hawk Dan |
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Chris_Dresbach
Commander Member
USA
1204 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 5:00:35 PM
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Man, that's too cool. 
Chris Dresbach
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Sdude
Golden Hawk Member
USA
548 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 5:19:29 PM
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Was nice talking with you yesterday. Looking forward to "the REST of the story".
Good luck earning your Red Cap at Bonneville and I hope they don't cast Tom Cruise in the movie version of your story.
It
was my pleasure to show you the #9 Avanti behind the chains. Too bad
you got there a little too late to see the Studebakers we had in the
Car Club Cavalcade. Our club has some really nice cars and our exhibit
was a nice tribute to Bob Bourke.
Jon Stalnaker
Editor, Hawk Talks
Karel Staple Chapter SDC
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Edited by - Sdude on 01/31/2010 5:20:07 PM |
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brngarage
Cruiser Member
USA
131 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 5:46:24 PM
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Hi Dan:
I'm
looking forward to seeing the Avanti at El Mirage and Bonneville and
especially at our Los Angeles Chapter Winter Meet at the Petersen. Just
a small correction; our meet is on Sunday March 14th. Please ask for me
at the meet and if you would like more details email me at brngarage@socal.rr.com.
Howard Brown President Los Angeles Chapter SDC
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Edited by - brngarage on 01/31/2010 5:53:49 PM |
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COMMANDERPINK1
Regal Member
USA
354 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 6:13:46 PM
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Wish you luck and much happiness
Tom
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SilverHawkDan
Champion Member
USA
2 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 6:50:26 PM
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Howard,
Thank
you. I need to remember to take off the glasses when looking across the
room at the wall calendar. The 14th it is. I have a cancer check up at
the City of Hope the next day and we are planning to stay overnight and
meet with some Bonneville guys on Monday before my appointment. I will
surely ask for you at the meet.
Dan |
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sweetolbob
Commander Member
USA
1186 Posts |
Posted - 01/31/2010 : 6:53:57 PM
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Dan
Thanks for posting. These type of posts are one of the best reasons for having a forum
Please continue to post and best of luck with the project.
Thanks again
Bob
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bams50
Commander Member
10616 Posts |
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Topic |
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Bonneville Burke Bros Avanti Resurrected
