Continental Kits & Aussie 55-57 Hornets info?

bob ward
bob ward Senior Contributor
edited November -1 in HUDSON
G'Day. My brother Jeff & I have been thinking about fitting continental kits to suit our Aussie Hashs. Jeff is the owner of 2 X 57 6cyl Hornets and 1 56 6cyl Hornet, & myself a 55 Hornet 6, these are all XKD customs. Our step father is the owner of a 57 Hornet V8 which was spotted in the latest WTN, read the recent HET rally in Echuca article. Our family has a very long history of Hudson ownership that spands for over fifty years.



What we would like to fit on some of our cars is the continental kit as they were never available in Australia. What is involved to fit them? What parts are in a complete kit? are there any kits available in any condition? do they rust out or sieze up? and last of all what are they worth? please respond to this message.



Here is a bit of trivia for you HET fans.



Known fact is that 72 Export Knock Down 6cyl 57 Hornets using 56 high roof bodies were exported around the world. But does anyone know where they all went to?



After 12 years of research, Jeff & I believe they all went to Australia as we have a registrer of known examples whether dead or alive listed. As each were numbered XKD----, numbers 2 and 65 have survived plus a large amount of others in between. 57 Hornet V8 also survived in great numbers out here, these were numbered YKD----. The last of the 57 Hornets were sold as late as 1959. More statistics will be posted later next week as it is my bed time now and flying to Sydney after work tomorrow for the Hudson AMC Presidents weekend run.



Steve Fripp, Brisbane Australia.

Comments

  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Steve: I have a complete Continental kit that will fit a 57 Hornet. I know shipping will be a bear... but if you are willing to pay the full load to include the crating we can probably come to a deal. Email me as shown in my profile.



    Cheers Mate... been 37 years since last I was in Sydney.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Lits Great To See The Enthusiasum And Passion You Have For Your Hudsons, No Matter Wehat Model. Il Wilsh You Luck In Gettilng A Cont Kit Linstalled. They Do Help The Appearance Alot. Good Luck, Bill Albright, Glad To See My Old Maroon 47 Hudson Conv Is Still Looking Good Down Under
  • bob ward
    bob ward Senior Contributor
    G'Day Bill A.

    Thanks for your reply. Ive just got back from the Hudson AMC CAR CLUB of Australia (formally known as HETNRCC OF NSW) presidents run. 8 cars attended this popular run which was down from last year. Members must still be recovering from the week long Echuca rally late last year when over fifty HETNR cars attended from 5 states. HETNRCCNSW was just to long of a name plus having members Australia wide was the reason of a name change. HET Car Club Victoria and QLD HETNR registrer will continue as per normal.



    Back to the continental kit, I'm interested and will email you in the coming week for more details and photos if possible.



    Sydney is worth a visit. Been here all my life and I just moved to Brisbane after new year. My 55 still resides in Sydney waiting for some chrome work to come back on warranty. The screens will then be removed and replaced with new rubber that I purchased from K-Gap last year. It's white over red and shines up quiet well. I will post some photos later when I learn how to do so. Our family collection of HET & AMC's is either 2hrs west of Sydney at the family property in a large shed or on club plates in Sydney. At last count of about 30 cars.



    55-57 Export cars info still wanted. We know where they were assembled as the buildings are still standing and is currently an Auction room selling ex government cars and prestige cars. Yet to approach the local council if any photos remain from that era.



    Steve Fripp. Down under.
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