Hill Climb HET cars!

[Deleted User] · December 2009

Essex4- That is a fantastic photo and much thanks for sharing this fantastic moment in Hudsoning.

Huddy42- Those are some great photos too. I just love how these races came to be and that Hudson was well matched to win them.

Hudsontech (Mr. Burr) You are correct that these cars were strictly off the lot and driven like hell. Great times I am sure were had! Looks like a good bit of fun to me.

Thank you all for continuing to add to this thread. I hope we can continue to pull some history and pictures out of the woodwork still!

Todd

bob ward · December 2009

Huddy42 wrote:

This is one from my album, not sure when or where, somebody may be able to tell us where and when.

Les, I've been told that it is one of Frank Kleinigs cars, (Australian racer) but I don't know whether that is true.

[Deleted User] · December 2009

Here is another Super 6 taking to the air in the July, 21 1917 issue of "The Hudson Triangle". Looks like they were going airborne cresting hills all over the world during this era. This time "Down Under" in Australia.

Huddy42 · December 2009

Thanks Bob,

I thought it may have been, but was not 100% sure, It looks like one of his doesn't it.??

ivanz62 · December 2009

Huddy 42,

Yes the car you ask about is definitely Australian Frank Kleinig's Hudson 8 powered special built on an MG Magna chassis. The photo is from the Rob Roy Hill Climb--don't know what year but I suspect post WW II. Kleinig built the special after he sold the 35 Hudson Roadster that Ray Pank now owns. The car was continually modified from the mid thirties until he quit running it in the early fifties. I believe it actually led the Australian Grand Prix in 1951!

Not bad for a 1930 chassis and a stock car based side valve engine running against thoroughbred racing cars. I patterned the engine mods to my Railton after Kleinig and Ray Pank's efforts. Attached is another photo of #41 from that Rob Roy Hill Climb. If you want to know the full story, talk with Ray Pank of let me know--I have done lots of research and have lots of photos of the car through the years. It is, and was, red and is restored in Australia doing hillclimbs and such in recent years.

Ivan

Huddy42 · December 2009

Thanks for the info Ivan, I have known the Hudson racer that Ray has, have known Clive Gibson for many many years from whom Ray purchased the racer, Clive used to frequent our Hudson spare parts shop for many years, and I used to take Clive to car club meetings when he got on in years.

Clive and I belonged to the same car club for a few years and we would go out on car runs, he driving his 1938 Hudson 8 which was a dream car, I driving my LHD 1942 Hudson, on the way home, Clive would get off the main highways, get out of his car, and we would exchange cars, he loved driving other peoples Hudson's or Terraplanes, and then tell you if something was not exactly right with the car. He loved the '42 as it was a very low mileage Hudson and so tight in every aspect.

I have known and dealt with Ray Pank for many years as well, supplying him with parts when needed.

[Deleted User] · October 2010

Hudsons are still racing in hill climbs! http://drivingphilosopher.blogspot.com/2010/09/hudson-hornet-nearly-invincible-car-in.html

This event was the Steckborn-Eichhölzli classic car hillclimb 2010 in Switzerland. Anyone have more information on this car a 1952 Hudson Hornet or this event?

hudsontech · October 2010

Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:

The car pictured is a replica of the Pikes Peak special, an Essex 4 cylinder model which held the record for that hill for some time. Built and owned by Graeme Shaskey, and extensively motored around New Zealand over the last 25 years or so. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I understood the`933 Essex Terraplane 8 roadster set records on Mount Washington, not Pikes Peak. the car was locked in top gear and went all the way to the summit, breaking all existing records.

Geoff.

Geoff, yes a 1933 T8 set several records on Mt. Washington - I believe one of the climbs was done sealed in 3rd!!!!! You couldn't find an "off-the-shelf" car today that could do it locked in top gear, I don't think. And most of these records, as I pointed out in another post, were done with stock, off-the-lot cars that were driven to the site.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

Park_W · October 2010

hudsonsoul wrote:

Hudsons are still racing in hill climbs! http://drivingphilosopher.blogspot.com/2010/09/hudson-hornet-nearly-invincible-car-in.html

This event was the Steckborn-Eichhölzli classic car hillclimb 2010 in Switzerland. Anyone have more information on this car a 1952 Hudson Hornet or this event?

Madeline and I attended the event in Steckborn on Sep 25-26. Saturday (practice day) weather was rainy, but race day Sunday was great. The '52 Hornet is owned by our long time friend and HET Club member Harry Wohlgroth, who lives near Zurich. He also participated in the last Steckborn event in 2007. We had to leave Sunday before the times and awards were posted, so don't know how well he did (placed 2d in class on Saturday). Will be e-mailing him today to inquire. This event is done a little like drag racing's "bracket" competition ... you make a reference run, then see how closely you can replicate that time. The course was a winding road leaving central Steckborn for the countryside. There were some really hot cars there, and many were running all out. Yes, we got photos ... will post a couple later. The setting is marvelous, on the south shore of Lake Constance.

Harry's car has an interesting history. He's the third owner. The car was sold new by the then Hudson dealer in Zurich. Bought by a Swiss diplomat, the car spent quite a bit of time in Vatican City where the owner was assigned. Notables who rode in the Hornet during that period include Pope Pius XII and Soviet Foreign Minister V.M. Molotov. Harry jokes that he doubts these two were in the car at the same time!

Lee ODell · October 2010

Essex4 wrote:

Here is another Super 6 taking to the air in the July, 21 1917 issue of "The Hudson Triangle". Looks like they were going airborne cresting hills all over the world during this era. This time "Down Under" in Australia.

I love that picture. How can I get a copy. I tried to copy the picture with my printer but the paper came out blank.

It reminded me of making my Dad's 46 Hudson PU get airborn. Dad didn't know all the stuff I did with his vehicles so when something did go wrong, when I was beening good, I can't blame him for saying, "What did you do?".

Great picture. I want one. Lee O'Dell

Park_W · October 2010

Photos of the Sep 25 Steckborn Hill Climb now posted above.

[Deleted User] · October 2010

Park, those are great pictures and a fantastic description of the event. Greatly appreciate the response!

Todd

Park_W · October 2010

More photos of the Steckborn, Switzerland hill climb event on Sep 25-26 are at
www.bergrennen-steckborn.ch

ESSX28-1 · October 2010

Lee ODell wrote:

Essex4 wrote:

Here is another Super 6 taking to the air in the July, 21 1917 issue of "The Hudson Triangle". Looks like they were going airborne cresting hills all over the world during this era. This time "Down Under" in Australia.

I love that picture. How can I get a copy. I tried to copy the picture with my printer but the paper came out blank.

It reminded me of making my Dad's 46 Hudson PU get airborn. Dad didn't know all the stuff I did with his vehicles so when something did go wrong, when I was beening good, I can't blame him for saying, "What did you do?".

Great picture. I want one. Lee O'Dell

Did you ever get a copy of this pic Lee?
If not, PM me your email address & I'll send it to you.

Hill Climb HET cars!

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