Hudson Hornet Racer Tribute Car

[Deleted User]

Hey all,



I sold the 52 Hornet sedan- sold it to a car collector in Las Vegas. He really loves Hudsons. He sent someone to pick it up and they drove it 4.5 hours up to Vegas. Glad it went to a good home. Sold the trailer to someone aswell. Anyway, now I'm looking for another project. I was thinking about putting together a 51, 52 or 53 Hornet Coupe replica race car. Something like a Dick Rathman Car, Marshall Teaque, etc. Besides the graphics, what else would be period correct? As far as the engine, my plan is to put in a 7X spec engine. The car will be streetable. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks, Niels

Aaron D. IL

Well having not been around then Niels I couldn't tell you for sure but I imagine a lot of the car would be stripped down. I can tell you who you want to talk to. Randy Maas, Gus Souza, Jack Miller, and Doug Wildrick. Between those sources and a few books and maybe the HET club library I'm sure you could put together an accurate car. Anyone who could think of some other "must talk to" guys chime in.



P.S. It might be interesting to see a car done that was not either Herb Thomas or Marshal Teague. Not sure I'd do Frank Mundy's car though since it flies the confederate flag. Desipte that I did like that car's paint job.

53jetman

I think you'll find in talking to those mentioned above that the cars were not particularly stripped down, as in most cases they would have been driven to the track for the race, the headlights would have been taped and some sort of safety tie-down would have been rigged to hold the hood down. The doors were usually strapped shut around the B piller, and bingo, you were ready to go racin'

dougson

I'm building a replica racer ('54 Hornet coupe) and have learned that by '54 most of the racers had a simple roll bar and air craft seat belts. The rear seat was removed (Grand National rule) and the fuel cap cover was removed. I've also seen that various trim pieces were removed (or not replaced after a few races). That's about it, afterall they were "stock cars" unlike the all out, purpose built "cars" in modern races.

[Deleted User]

Does anyone have a lead on having the removable graphics made?

Aaron D. IL

I would think any good sign company could make you a batch of magnetic signs for such a car.

Richard E.

Neils, Ivan Zaremba built a replica of Marshall Teague's race car correct down to the carburetor adjustment. He had Smokey Yunik, Marshall Teague's mechanic to advise him on the project. So Ivan would be a good resource. This is the car that they used as the model for the movie Cars. Ivan recently sold it. However he had raced it on the Vintage Race circut for quite awhile. I saw it race in Coronado a few times.

[Deleted User]

Richard E. wrote:

Neils, Ivan Zaremba built a replica of Marshall Teague's race car correct down to the carburetor adjustment. He had Smokey Yunik, Marshall Teague's mechanic to advise him on the project. So Ivan would be a good resource. This is the car that they used as the model for the movie Cars. Ivan recently sold it. However he had raced it on the Vintage Race circut for quite awhile. I saw it race in Coronado a few times.

Just curious, anyone have an idea what it sold for? I've seen the car and have heard it run.... man, it sounded BAD A**!

Ol racer

nhp1127 wrote:

Does anyone have a lead on having the removable graphics made?

FYI

Most Vinal Grapuc Shops can make these magnet Signs appear like the decals on Ivan's Z. Hornet.(pictured) Couple things though, make them out of 'High Image' Graphics, but dont drive fast with them on the car. With the body curves and the Sign length they tend to slide off. I had a set made locally for my '53 black Hornet cpe and they look awsome at cruise in's..

Browniepetersen

I took just a bit different look at the race community. I built a car to race on the Bonneville Salt Flats (ran it twice on the salt flats) and used some local businesses to support the project. It was a lot of fun and in my way of thinking it was not a "tribute car" or a replica. It was a modern racing Hudson.



I also included a photo of Marshall Teague's daughter and myself next to a replica racer that curreltly belongs to Joe Stinnett in Florida. The photo was taken in California and belonged to Mike Cherry at the time.

hudshornet

I would really like to see a picture of Frank Mundy's Hudson, does anyone have any they can post?