LeMay-America’s Car Museum is a 501(c)3 Non Profit Corporation Federal Tax I.D # 91-1867848
    P.O. Box 1117, Tacoma, WA 98401 *
    www.lemaymuseum.org

    April 11, 2011

    This letter is to introduce you to James Bell and our “1963 Studebaker Avanti 1001 Rescue Project”. Our museum has in its collection, the car that has been designated as Avanti #1001, the first production Avanti made in America. The car is in need of full restoration to bring the car back to the way it looked the day it was delivered. Our goal is to have the car ready for the 50th Anniversary of Avanti in 2012.

    We are very fortunate to have Mr. Bell of Bell Studebaker Diner and Museum in Bellingham Washington volunteering to act as our project advisor who will be performing some of the restoration work and assisting with the project management as we go forward. Mr. Bell has been authorized by the museum to act as our representative as needed for business related to this project. 

    We have developed a complete work plan for the project, and are very encouraged about the interest and support we have received thus far. James can provide you with a complete list of the parts, supplies and services needed to complete the project.

    There are many ways you can help support the Avanti 1001 rescue. Parts, service and supply donations are needed. We have a complete list on our website which will be updated regularly as donations are received.  Monetary donations are also needed and can be made directly to the museum at the address above or through our website https://www.lemaymuseum.org/page.php?id=419.  

    All donations to this project are tax deductible, and all donations will be acknowledged. Donors will be listed on the Avanti 1001 Project Registry both online and will remain with the history of the car.

    Again, my sincere thanks to you for your interest and support of this important car and your assistance in helping us display and tell its story for many generations in the future.

    If you should have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

    Sincerely,

    Renee Crist
    Director of Collection Management
    LeMay-America’s Car Museum

    253-779-8490 x 116

    renee.crist@lemaymuseum.org


    Project Avanti 1001 Request

     

     

    Dear SDC and Avanti Club Chapters & Friends-

     

    I am volunteering to help with the restoration of the very 1st production Avanti built by Studebaker.

    Volunteer effort and donations can restore the Avanti back to it’s original condition and I hope you can help contribute.

     

    The Avanti (serial #1001, body 101) will be a featured car of the LeMay - America’s Car Museum, in Tacoma Washington.

    The Museum feels this significant car will be one of their premiere showcase cars once completed.

    The new museum set for a 2012 opening in Tacoma, Wash., explores how the automobile has fulfilled a distinctive role at the core of the American experience and shaped our society.

    The 165,000-square-foot museum, currently under construction and scheduled to open May 19, 2012, will house up to 500 diverse vehicles at any given time, showcasing the LeMay collection, which amassed a Guinness Book of World Records total of more than 3,500 vehicles in the mid-‘90s. 

    “Harold never met a car he didn’t like,” says Nancy LeMay about her late husband.

     

    America’s Car Museum is designed to be a destination where travelers experience America’s love affair with the automobile.

    It will be one of the largest auto museums and attractions in the world!

    This Avanti will be a great example of Studebaker innovation and design of the 60’s.

     

    The museum will bring an estimated 425,000 visitors each year, giving great exposure to this historic Studebaker Avanti.

    The museum will have a nine-acre campus - with the four-story, 165,000-sq. ft. museum as the hub -including a massive show field to host everything from vintage car events to rock concerts and drive-in movies.

    There will also be galleries, meeting space, a gift shop, banquet hall and café/restaurant, an educational center/library and exhibits using cars, music, film and photos for displays such as “game-changing automotive inventions.”

     

    The Project Avanti goal is to have the car ready by May 2012, for the museum grand opening and visitors from around the world.  

    I would encourage SDC and Avanti Club chapters, members and businesses to donate to this worthy car.

    All donations (including parts & materials) are tax deductible and you will be added to the following website list and receive a letter of recognition as part of Project Avanti 1001.

     

    For Information, Photo’s, Updates and Donor Registry please visit the following website:

     

    https://www.lemaymuseum.org/page.php?id=419

     

    Thanks,

     

    James Bell

    SDC and Avanti Club Member

    studenut@comcast.net