The Infamous Jet Covertable Prototype
![[Deleted User]](https://openforum.hetclub.org/applications/dashboard/design/images/defaulticon.png)
Well, here its is the infamous Jet Rag Top. So the question is. Do you take the parts car and cut the roof and cannabalize the prototype? Or do you bring the prototype back from the dead. From waht I have heard this car has been outside for sometime.
Cheers
Matt
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ultra-rare-1954-Hudson-Jet-convertible-prototype-only-1_W0QQitemZ280006172573QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6472QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Cheers
Matt
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ultra-rare-1954-Hudson-Jet-convertible-prototype-only-1_W0QQitemZ280006172573QQihZ018QQcategoryZ6472QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
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Comments
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Kind of makes you sick when you see the photos. Such a rare car treated this bad! I have never seen so much rust ! Kind of looks like it sat on the bottom of a lake!0
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:mad: Some people just should not be allow to possess rare or special things as this prototype. They act as Dog's in the Manger. Although they have neither the desire or ability to properly keep or restore such treasures they destroy them and keep others from saving and protecting them. I have seen this numerous times and as Ray Klein said it makes me sick.0
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My guess is this guy will be holding on to this one. Don't see anyone buying it. Wonder why it has a Twin H logo on the trunk when it does not have Twin H under the hood.
I would only buy it if it was running I would want to drive it home LOL0 -
Ouch - It's in even worse shape than I thought...What a shame, yes, some people should not be allowed to have shiny new toys or rusty old ones...It looks like its been sitting in the bottom of a pool of saltwater!
I know we have already had the big controversy/conversations - but I'll throw a thought out.
Now that I can see more pictures - It really may be that even the added structural enhancments to the prototype are too far gone to be saved.
But the rusto-o-liner-prototype could be used to get as many details for making parts templates, measurements, pictures and videos. Then I would hand fabricate the needed parts to turn a solid donor into as faithful re-creation of the original factory prototype as you could ever do - being that you had the original to look at. (My mind would have to fill in the rust gaps!)
I'd also save as ALL of the factory parts for historical purposes and documentation and just to be more responsible than than person who let this happen!
So in this scenerio the car could "live in spirit" again - and be as true as possible to the original. You could even tour the car with some of the rusty original parts on display.
At least this way it isn't lost forever0 -
:rolleyes: While I admit it is rusty, it isn't the worst I've seen. (I say this not having seen it in person.) For $500 it is an adventurous endeavor and there are people out there who crave challengeing rustoration:eek: projects.
Does anyone know fersure that this was a factory prototype?
Have a nice day
Steve0 -
Far worse have been brought back from the dead. It could be done but is definitely for the faint of heart.:D What's it worth? Who knows, one has to really like the Jets to put that much effort into a restoration...0
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It seems this car has been neglected for some time. It looks like the crease in the passenger door was there all the way back in '54 at the Car Show! You'd think if it was in someone's 'care' that would've been taken care of long ago. It does identify the car with that photo, at least.0
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hudsonguy wrote:It seems this car has been neglected for some time. It looks like the crease in the passenger door was there all the way back in '54 at the Car Show! You'd think if it was in someone's 'care' that would've been taken care of long ago. It does identify the car with that photo, at least.
Curious, what documentation supports the fact that this was indeed the one off, factory prototype? A state title that says convertible isn't documentation. Are there any official Hudson documents with a serial number that supports this claim?0 -
smcmanus wrote::rolleyes: While I admit it is rusty, it isn't the worst I've seen. (I say this not having seen it in person.) For $500 it is an adventurous endeavor and there are people out there who crave challengeing rustoration:eek: projects.
Does anyone know fersure that this was a factory prototype?
Have a nice day
Steve
I think it should be saved with every original piece on it that can be sandblasted and put back together. From a historical and preservation standpoint there's just some cars you would save (and some that people think are too ugly and should be let to die LOL)....protptypes, extreamly low production models, etc. But you guys are right, this is not one for the faint of heart. Whoever gets it though would need to authenticate that this is in fact the car the owner claims it is. I heart of a Terraplane coupe that was saved from a swamp that was restored with little more than the cowl and roof being original pieces. haha0 -
I don't think the title is intended there to "document" it as the sole ragtop, it's just proof of ownership.
The most economical course of action would be to convert a coupe with what is salvageable from the prototype, but again, you have a converted coupe, NOT the prototype.
Do what is needed to "save" the car, but document and say what the end product is (a "recreation" of the prototype), and life is good.
Someone would really have to be a Jet fanatic (not just a regular "fan") to fo this one.
But, with that said, could you imagine owing an Italia, plus this as a completed car, and the X-161, and maybe one of the original Hudson NASCAR racers, all together??? THAT would be a very impressive post-war Hudson collection!!!0 -
66patrick66 wrote:
The most economical course of action would be to convert a coupe with what is salvageable from the prototype, but again, you have a converted coupe, NOT the prototype!!
I was truly a coupe in the first place. Hudson took a coupe off the line and made the convert...let it go patrick0 -
Whassamatta, can't take a ^*^$*#^$*-ing JOKE!???
Obviously, you failed to read on.:p0 -
$4355 reserve not met, yet...
4 days to go.....0 -
Anyone in the know have an idea of what he wants for this I am thinking he wants a lot. I have heard some say if it casts a shadow restore it. This is one case where you would really have to have the skill set yourself or deep pockets. Would love to see it restored but would not want to take it on myself. Got enough Hudson projects on the go I can't fake anymore with my better half.0
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nhp1127 wrote:Curious, what documentation supports the fact that this was indeed the one off, factory prototype? A state title that says convertible isn't documentation. Are there any official Hudson documents with a serial number that supports this claim?
For what it's worth, the Richard Langworth book, Hudson 1946-1957 states, "One Jet convertible was also built, a red model, which AMC Hudson sales manager Virgil Boyd bought for his son."0 -
Dave53-7C wrote:For what it's worth, the Richard Langworth book, Hudson 1946-1957 states, "One Jet convertible was also built, a red model, which AMC Hudson sales manager Virgil Boyd bought for his son."
Ok. Can this car be traced on paper to Virgil Boyd? If so great.0 -
Dave53-7C wrote:Sorry, I don't know what records exist and I didn't write the book. If Richard Langworth, Virgil Boyd or Mr. Boyd's son are alive and can be contacted, you can ask them.
If their dead, then I'll have my ex-wife try to contact them.
Nobody has mentioned anything that I've seen for actual documentation so I guess Barrett Jackson would have to take their word for it. LOL0 -
Why does anyone question the authenticity of this car?
TO me this seems a no brainer.
I highly doubt there are any hudson people out there trying to defraud anyone with the possibility of a jet convertible prototype...
While there are hudson people out there alike, that want to play the fraud game, it's a small community, and word gets around real quick....
I bet, there are a few people that saw this car when new, maybe someone out there that worked on it.
TOo many respected Hudson authorities came forward and either said this was the real McCoy, or never even questioned it. I think that is all anyone should need to validate the claim of what this car is.
What will it take to prove this car is real for some of you? It's not like this car is a million dollar hemicuda or something.... GEEZ..... :rolleyes:
The problem is that fake hemi cudas and ls6 chevelles (and the dirtbags out there that fake these cars) their tactic and methods filter down to every corner of the hobby, even to the validity of this jet.
It's funny, because even restored, this jet would be worth, what $40-50 K tops?
THis in most people's minds is not a high dollar car, the costs to restore it far outweigh the ending value. I hope the reserve is such that someone can get a reasonable deal, and still be able to justify restoring it.
My guess is that this thing will get bid to around $7000-8000 and stop.
The reserve, I bet is ~ $10000 or around...0 -
hudsonkid wrote:Why does anyone question the authenticity of this car?
TO me this seems a no brainer.
I highly doubt there are any hudson people out there trying to defraud anyone with the possibility of a jet convertible prototype...
While there are hudson people out there alike, that want to play the fraud game, it's a small community, and word gets around real quick....
I bet, there are a few people that saw this car when new, maybe someone out there that worked on it.
TOo many respected Hudson authorities came forward and either said this was the real McCoy, or never even questioned it. I think that is all anyone should need to validate the claim of what this car is.
What will it take to prove this car is real for some of you? It's not like this car is a million dollar hemicuda or something.... GEEZ..... :rolleyes:
The problem is that fake hemi cudas and ls6 chevelles (and the dirtbags out there that fake these cars) their tactic and methods filter down to every corner of the hobby, even to the validity of this jet.
It's funny, because even restored, this jet would be worth, what $40-50 K tops?
THis in most people's minds is not a high dollar car, the costs to restore it far outweigh the ending value. I hope the reserve is such that someone can get a reasonable deal, and still be able to justify restoring it.
My guess is that this thing will get bid to around $7000-8000 and stop.
The reserve, I bet is ~ $10000 or around...
I am not necessarily doubting its authenticity. All I asked was if there was some sort of documentation. In this hobby and with this claim people expect BASIC things like this. If not, then document the provenance rather than Hudson club lore and at worst, then document the club lore. If I owned and showed the car then I would want to display why it is special. Not too much to ask.0 -
I'll bet the reserve is higher than $10K and that is why it has set and deteriorated for 40 years. The seller probably has always had an inflated idea of the cars value and thats why he still owns it. Unfortunately it was not stored with preservation in mind. While there are many cars that receive restorations that cost many times the true market value of the car, this would be one of them. I certainly believe this car is the orignal factory prototype if for the only reason that, who would go to the trouble and cost of making a jet convertible between 40-50 years ago with the demand for such a car being SO LOW. (Yes, I 've heard they were great cars! )
I do hope that someone with the interest and desire and funds to own and properly restore/rebuild/whatever ends up with it, and I get a chance to see the finished product some day. I'm sure there's been many worse stepdown convertibles done and that has been acceptable and appreciated by the vast majority of the membership0 -
If the reserve is higher than 500 it's to high.... The amount of time and money that will be spent on this car is more than the above average enthusiast can spend.
It's a travesty that this car was left outside to begin with and even worse that the reserve is out of sight. I'm amazed that it's bid over 5,000 ...... I think it says alot about the caliber of the backbone of the Het club. Simply Put " THIS IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF HUDSON HISTORY" AND THE CARETAKERS OF THE CLUB ARE TRYING TO DO WHATEVER THEY CAN BEHIND THE SCENES TO BRING IT HOME...... I'm proud to be a part of the Club.....
I hope who ever owns this car can find it in their heart to let go......0 -
"who would go to the trouble and cost of making a jet convertible between 40-50 years ago with the demand for such a car being SO LOW."
Exactly what I was thinking. Why would Hudson make this thing? You guys that say this is a factory prototype are probably correct. My point is that there must be some factory documentation or pictures of this car proving its provenance.
Have a nice day
Steve0 -
nhp1127 wrote:If their dead, then I'll have my ex-wife try to contact them.
Nobody has mentioned anything that I've seen for actual documentation so I guess Barrett Jackson would have to take their word for it. LOL
I'm assuming your ex-wife is "already" dead? If not...:eek: Maybe who ever buys the remains of this Jet should contact Chrylser regarding what, if any, records they may have. After all, Chrysler owns everything that was Hudson and AMC and the car was supposedly built and sold after Hudson merged with Nash.0 -
The average Hudson owner doesn't want his car(s) to increase in value, it would seem. IF the convertible were to be restored (in whatever iteration that may be!), like has been said, the cost would far, far exceed the car's worth, despite its historical significance to the Hudson marque. Will a properly restored Jet convertible bring up the value of Jets in general? I think somewhat; BUT, keep in mind, the Jet is little known or appreciated outside the orphan car world, and Hudson owners don't like to spend a lot of money for parts OR cars. A properly done, displayed, SHOWN and promoted Jet convertible resto would have a positive effect all around. But, if the new owner does what the present owner did and keep it stuffed away for the next 40 years after it's done, then the value of the Jets is unaffected. The average HET member never displays his car outside of a HET or Chapter event, anyway. It's as if they're afraid of the attention, or God forbid, having a car judged by someone, or mixing with non-Hudson folks.
Like has been discussed earlier about Hornet Coupes, will "Cars" have an impact on their value? If it does, there are people all bent out of shape it'll force prices UP on all Hudsons as a result. I just don't see a cartoon car, whether it's a Hornet, a Fiat 500, a Superbird, or custom '59 Chevy Impalas, having a big impact on the real thing. It's cute and all, but with the average American's five-minute attention span, the attention paid to "Cars" and the cars in it, will pass into memory.0 -
Dave53-7C wrote:I'm assuming your ex-wife is "already" dead? If not...:eek: Maybe who ever buys the remains of this Jet should contact Chrylser regarding what, if any, records they may have. After all, Chrysler owns everything that was Hudson and AMC and the car was supposedly built and sold after Hudson merged with Nash.
No she's not dead. Just a wack job. Maybe I made her that way!:D0 -
66patrick66 wrote:The average HET member never displays his car outside of a HET or Chapter event, anyway. It's as if they're afraid of the attention, or God forbid, having a car judged by someone, or mixing with non-Hudson folks.
Pat Dean are you going to The HET National in Nebraska?
If so, I hope our paths will cross...0 -
I For One Have Done A Car That Was This Bad And Know What It Takes To Make It A Really Nice Car Your Looking At 3 Years Of Your Labor And Around $30,000 For Chrome ,paint And Supplys,new Wiring Harness,leather And Sewing Of The Seats + The Price Of Buying The Car So I'd Say $40,000 Doing It Your Self I Think The Car Is Worth More Than That Restored. With Nice Step/down Cv Selling For Over $100,0000
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PAULARGETYPE wrote:I For One Have Done A Car That Was This Bad And Know What It Takes To Make It A Really Nice Car Your Looking At 3 Years Of Your Labor And Around $30,000 For Chrome ,paint And Supplys,new Wiring Harness,leather And Sewing Of The Seats + The Price Of Buying The Car So I'd Say $40,000 Doing It Your Self I Think The Car Is Worth More Than That Restored. With Nice Step/down Cv Selling For Over $100,000
PAul, I can agree with you on the front end of this one, but even considering the rarity, this one seems to be off of 100K, when done. It is ashamed, because how do you actually set a market price for rarity?
Maybe I'm wrong....
I think it would be a great project for you Pittsburg guys.....
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