Hudsons at Indy

RL Chilton
RL Chilton Administrator, Member
edited November -1 in HUDSON
While I anxiously await the start of this year's Indy 500, I started thinking about Hudson's at Indy. A '38 112 Conv. Coupe was used as a pace car for the first and only time. I've often wondered why '48 wasn't the other year that Hudson was so honored. Indy often uses pivotal or landmark type of cars that are "new" are "trend-setting" for the time. Incidentally, what car was used in '48? A Chevy Fleetmaster Six :confused: PHPPPTTTTTTT!!!!
How droll.

Other random thoughts:

Traditionally, the pace car is always an American domestic brand. Really makes me wonder what will be available in 10 years. Maybe a Ford will still be around. Probably nix on all the other American manufacturers. I heard yesterday that Mercury will have it's last year of production this year as the division is being closed, yet another marque relegated to orphan. Before long, we'll have all brands in the "orphan shows" and they'll no longer be called orphans, just "cars from America's past". :(

The "American Domestic Brand" pace car is really kind of ironic these days, as all the race cars themselves, at least the powerplants are all foreign, japanese to boot.

On a brighter side, a Chevy Camaro makes it's second consecutive year (and fifth, overall) as this year's pace-setter. Rightly so, great looking car and one of the better looking (along with the Mustang) that's come along in several years, I think. At least it's not a Corvette, yet again.

Guess it's time to make a run to the store for chips and dip. Race time's approaching fast. Maybe I'll catch my old man in the stands.

Comments

  • bent metal
    bent metal Senior Contributor
    Out here the media is talking a lot about the Tesla. Maybe soon you'll see new American auto makers?:cool:
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    The trend toward foreign iron is prevalent. Even in that good old, and distinctly, American sport called NASCAR. The shrub and his team-mates are running wild this year in Toyota's.



    I suppose it was inevitable - after all is there a car being built in America that is "American"!!! Most of the parts come from other countries - not only has the industry reverted to the 4-cyl, 4-speed tranny cars of the early 1900's, but they have gone back to mostly assembling cars.



    What was that saying years ago - As GM goes, so goes the country!! We in a heap o' trouble old son!!!!



    Hudsonly,

    Alex Burr

    Memphis, TN
  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    :)Unfortunatly. American Brand names are leaving the scene little by little. To bad about the Mercury, there is no longer a dealer in Reno, I do not think anyone even noticed. The question is what make next. If Chrysler is going to be in cahoots with Fiat, there goes Chrysler and Dodge. Most people know what FIAT" stands for, {FIX IT AGAIN TONY". After that, perhaps Buick. I think what has really been hard on all the Auto companies are they build to many different models. BIG, Not as big and small. Regardless, they all are way overpriced, rapid depreciation, and no mechanics to repair them. Parts come in from all over the world and replacement parts, forget it, and if you can find the needed part, it costs more than the car is worth. Way to much electronice nonesense in todays cars. With "ON STAR", learn to read a map. I apologize for my rambiig and I hope I did not step on anyones toes. Arnie in Nevada.
  • hornet_54
    hornet_54 Senior Contributor
    Some early Hudson/Indy facts can be found at: http://socalhet.org/sidebar/newsletters/06-07.pdf



    Bob
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    Most of the cars that disappeared and continue to disappear are mid-priced middle-class cars, and as the middle-class disappears in America so do the cars aimed to be sold to them. Olds, Plymouth, Mercury, etc.
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