Marple Auction
Saturday May 30 saw Avanti and
Studebaker collectors bidding on the
remnants of longtime AOAI member
Virgil Marple's collection. Virgil and
his wife traveled the U.S looking for
orphan cars. His collection had over 40
Studebakers, many Packards, Pierce-
Arrow, Franklin, along with Chevrolet,
and several antique tractors. Being an
engineer, he was constantly looking
for cars that showed excellence in
mechanical engineering. Virgil passed
away in 2017 and his family offered the
collection of cars, and parts at the end
of May in an online-only auction. Find
the story and results of the rare Avanti
automobiles and memorabilia inside,
beginning on page 16.
Two Studebaker prototypes from the Marple
collection were sold during the May 30 estate
auction. Read more about them inside.