Interesting Info On The Hornet In "Cars"

[Deleted User]

I spoke to a fellow HET member yesterday about a car he has forsale. We got to talking and it turns out that the Hornet used as the model for testing and being portrayed as "Doc Hudson" in the movie "Cars" is owned by a fellow in No. Cal by the name of Ivan. I didn't catch his last name but I know he is well known by some of you. I do know he owns a Hornet race car. I recall seeing an article on him somewhere, perhaps in an old WTN. Pixar paid him to study and test the car. Here is the incredible part. I was told that they had the car raced by Ivan and recorded all the engine and braking sounds to be incorporated in the movie so that it matches the car and animation.

I have asked the fellow I spoke with to post some of this info here on the forum. I'm sure it would also make a fantastic article for the WTN aswell. Niels

Jon B

Sounds like Ivan Zaremba.

Unknown

This is very interesting...

My job involves computer graphics and animation, and I'd like to know more about Ivan's involvement. For instance, I wonder whether Pixar obtained the initial computer model of Doc Hudson by physically scanning Ivan's Hornet with with a laser range scanner or similar device. That would be a very interesting project. (The alternative is to have artists painstakingly create the model by hand).

I'd love to know more about it and will have to ask some of my colleagues from Pixar when I see them at industry conferences.

464Saloon

I have seen in some of my readings on what Hudson came out with in 54 called Super Induction. Seems like it was an increase in power on the 308's over previous models. My question is what is it? I should have my 54 in a couple of days from being transported in and though it has supposedly 66,000 original miles, the motor was rebuilt somewhere along the line for reasons I haven't found out yet and a 262 head was put on. I assume that has messed up the Super Induction package to one extent or another. Also any idea how many Hornet Special 2 dr sedans were made. As I understand it, it was the only year for the Special and the fastback looking roofline.

Unknown

they relieved the block to flow better,the 262 head just increases the compression ratio.

you can't "lose" your super induction unless they filled in the block!

464Saloon

I haven't seen that roofline on the earlier body styles and one of my Hudson books said it was 54 only. Here is a photo if it helps.

[Deleted User]

You are correct the setup you have is the 2dr. Club Sedan. Hudson stopped using the term Brougham in 54 on these body styles it was only used on the convertible. This did not stop the dealers using the term to describe these sedans, hence the confusion. The long rear window you see in your Special was indeed only seen in the Hornet for 54, while the 2 dr Club coupe for 54 had the same roof line as the 48-53.

Aaron D. IL

'54 was the only year Hornet to have a club sedan/brougham body....every other year it was not offerend in the Hornet series. Also the only year for specials.

hudsonguy

In today's (3/9/06) USA Today, Life section D, there is a nice article complete with pictures and quotes about the upcoming movie. Interesting. Can't wait for the movie to come out. Paul Newman (Doc Hudson's voice) saw a screening of the finished movie recently, and was very impressed.

bobbydamit

464Saloon wrote:

I have seen in some of my readings on what Hudson came out with in 54 called Super Induction. Seems like it was an increase in power on the 308's over previous models. My question is what is it? I should have my 54 in a couple of days from being transported in and though it has supposedly 66,000 original miles, the motor was rebuilt somewhere along the line for reasons I haven't found out yet and a 262 head was put on. I assume that has messed up the Super Induction package to one extent or another. Also any idea how many Hornet Special 2 dr sedans were made. As I understand it, it was the only year for the Special and the fastback looking roofline.

Rob,

Like I said in my "E" mail to you, this is a "Special" car, not necessarily [greater] than many other Hudsons. I also told you nothing was done to hurt the cars engine during the "going over of the engine", some years ago. A smaller head is our way of improving the compression ratio or head pressure. Hudson Engineers were satisfied with the compression ratio they designed into the engine. Relieving is a standard process most manufacturers tried at one time, as did many of us backyard racers, to improve flow characteristics of the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders.

If it is still unclear why anyone would tear down an engine with only 66 k or less on it, to check for wear, correct any problems, and reassemble it, so as to have the warm fuzzy feeling that all is right from this day forward, then you have not been in the old car business very long. When you realize the benefits of this [NEEDs NO REASON BUT AGE,] action, you may want to pull the head or pan and do some of your own warm fuzzy poking around, checking things just for your own piece of mind. Good luck and try not to analyze a previous owners motives, just let the car motivate you, all by itself. Call if you want to get some ideas of, [Just poking around] for the fun of it. Bobby

Bob Aman

Manager, Forensic Laboratory