Nostalgic Born Reports: Solving the Avanti Serial Number "A" Mystery
Does your Avanti’s serial number plate or title have a mysterious letter “A” stamped at the end? For decades, this anomaly has puzzled owners and restorers alike. Through exhaustive research in the original Studebaker factory archives, Dan Booth has finally unlocked the truth behind the “A” suffix.
In this historical deep-dive, Dan cross-references rare Selling Zone invoices and Zone Car Delivery reports to reveal that these vehicles were part of Studebaker’s elite Public Relations fleet. Discover how these "Factory Mileage Cars" were used for press demos and executive service—often racking up 5,000 miles before being wholesaled—and why the "A" was added to adjust factory warranty terms. If you own one of these rare "Code 99" vehicles, this article is the key to proving your car's unique provenance.
1963-64 Avanti Build Sheets
(1/2 page) Available for about 99% of the original production
1965-85 Avanti Build Sheets
Available for about 99% of the original production
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