H-E-T Club Southern California Chapter Newsletter - Awarded the Golden Quill July 2016 Exclusively for Fans of Hudson Motor Cars Bob Ross - Editor This year we are celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Southern California Chapter of HET.

February 1966 – 50 years as an HET Chapter, a significant milestone. When you realize that the was in business for only 47 years, it is a strong indication of unusual brand loyalty. This shows that the Hudson automobile was a very unusual automobile. The Southern California Chapter committee is working on recognition of this HET milestone.

or or So mark your calendar for October 15, 2016 for an important SCC event.

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The SCC 2016 Annual Meeting There were Hudnuts, food, business discussions, voting and appreciation. The Hudnuts were enthusiastic; the food was plentiful; the business discussions were

fruitful; the voting was swift and there was much appreciation for the work that Jon flec has done over the past 14 years.

E After a series of lengthy nomination speeches, a call for the vote was made and the following officers were elected:

 President - Bob Ross

 Vice President - Stephan Marshall

 Secretary/Membership - Susan Ross

 Treasurer - Ruth Hay

 Tour Chairman - Stephan Marshall

 Assistant Tour Chairman - Open

 Editor - Bob Ross. udson r udson

 Tech Advisor - Jon Cronk

H  Historian-Librarian - Open

A plaque was presented to Jon with the following inscription: “With deep appreciation for your visionary guidance and undaunting leadership as President of

the first HET Chapter, Southern California, 2002-2016.” the the

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 1 And it is also time to renew your Hudson products. Helping us will be Jon membership ($15) for another year. serving as our Technical Advisor. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge about +++++++++++++++++++++++++ Hudson hardware and the mechanical world in general. Mark Your Calendar For us to benefit from our chapter membership, 50 Years of Hudsons in Southern it is important that we all participate to the level California we can. And it starts with suggestions on where July 4 - 4th of July Parade, Sierra Madre, Ross’ Host we want the chapter to go. I have a very large Aug. 6 - La Canada Early Rodders Meet Inbox ([email protected]) so don’t worry about Aug. 14 - SCC BoD Meeting 2pm sending too many ideas. Sept. 29-Oct 2 - All California Meet, San Simeon, CIC Host Our 2016 HET International Meet is on now. Oct. 15 - Chapter Golden Anniversary Celebration Some of our members are making the long Oct. 23 - Annual Planning Meeting 6-8pm journey East to what is expected to be another Nov. 5 - Laughlin Economy Run, SCC Host spectacular event. Those of us that are unable Dec. 11 - Christmas Party, Old Spaghetti Factory, to make the long trip for various reasons are Duarte looking forward to hearing the details of the ------2016 celebration when they get back. Bob Aug, 22-27, 2017 - International Meet, Poway, CA +++++++++++++++++++++++++ ------2018 - International HET Meet, Chula Vista Resort, Early Rodder’s Cruise-In Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin There is a great exhibition of ------classics and rods at the Board Meetings are open to all members. Phone parking lot of the United 626/260-1090 for directions. Artists Movie Theater in La Want to be a host for an SCC Meet close to your Cañada (1919 Verdugo Blvd. home? Just find a park or other attraction with at the 2 & 210 Freeways) every Saturday parking and facilities. Then give Steve a call morning. It starts around 6:30am and starts to (661/946-9027). thin out by 8:30am. ++++++++++++++++++++ So at that point we will drive down the street to From the President’s Garage to the Dish Restaurant for a nice breakfast. The Southern California This will all happen on Saturday, August 6th. Chapter of the HET owes a debt https://www.google.com/maps/@34.205799,- of gratitude to Jon for stepping 118.2171408,17z forward 14 years ago and leading our chapter into the 21st century. Now it is my turn to assist our members in enjoying and maintaining their

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 2 A Hudnuts Journey to the HET Club by Pete Booz Pete Booz was active with the HET Club and on & on! Hudson products at the very beginning of the This "madness" led to them to buying their 1st club. His original interest stemmed from his house, a dinky little 1 bedroom place in Reseda, father having several Hudsons as he did BUT on a big lot onto which Herb Malone (a business with the Hudson dealer in the town retired dental technician and by this time, a part where Pete was brought up. As a result of that, time builder/contractor) attached a 9 car garage Pete worked for the Hudson dealer part time which was soon filled! while in high school in '53 & '54. In '63 they took off, armed with their trusty HET Pete’s first Hudson, a '49 Super 6 coupe, he Roster, to see all the '29 Hudsons they could - bought from the dealer and drove it to college for they visited his parents who still lived in Indiana, several years. He lived in Indiana but attended went down to Florida and visited HET President the Univ. of Arizona, so it was a long drive. By and founder Meritt Marks, then up the east coast that time Hudson had gone out of business, so visiting several '29 owners. when he had worn it out, Pete got a '53 Studebaker Commander V8 hardtop with Pete had way over 100 Hudsons during his overdrive and forgot about Hudsons. "career", from '13 thru '54. Probably the most interesting "story" was the acquisition of an Several years later his unrestored '33 T8 interest in Hudsons was sedan in NH and rekindled by a driving it across the teacher who once a country to L. A. as part week, would drive a of the '66 stunning black '52 Transcontinental Run which the Club did. This was he would park in the to commemorate the faculty lot. They 1916 Transcontinental became good friends, Run by the then new Pete joined HET, and Super Six which set a got his 2nd Hudson off new record. The entire a used car lot in Santa story and odyssey is a Monica, a '53 Hudson whole separate story, in coupe; it became his a '66 WTN. wife, Nancy’s "daily driver". At the time the chapter was started, there were What really changed his life was getting the HET lots of Hudsons advertised in the L. A. Times Roster and noticing that another member, Tim and many still on the road in the San Fernando Rice, lived in Santa Monica. In the Roster, he Valley as guys like Phil Arana would repair them was listed as having two '29 Hudsons. Pete and and keep them on the road. Also during that Nancy decided to go see Tim one weekend time was when Clifford became famous drag which led to buying one of his '29s, a rumble racing Hudsons and later a major supplier of seat coupe with dual side mounts, followed parts. shortly thereafter by a '30 Hudson brougham, &

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 3 Pete has gotten some cars via the internet - his The Adoption "handle" of [email protected] directly led to A couple who work at the circus, go to an his getting the '39 Hudson 6 convertible. adoption agency. Social workers there raise His favorite model is the '33 8. One of doubts about their suitability. The couple his Hudson cronies has the one that Dillinger produces photos of their 50 foot motor home, owned. They are very attractive cars, were which is equipped with a beautiful nursery. famous for their performance, rare, and a The social workers then are doubtful about the "bellwether" model also because the - education that the child would get. "We've of '32 - '33 which undoubtedly kept arranged for a full-time tutor who will teach the Hudson from "going under" during the Depression child all the usual subjects along with French, as those were the 2 worst years of it. Mandarin and computer skills.” At one time he was "unHudsoned" and became a Then there are doubts about raising a child in a major collector of antique clocks. He still has a circus environment. "Our nanny is an expert in passive interest in that and has several. pediatric welfare and diet. Pete was a social studies teacher in the L. A. City "The social workers are finally satisfied. They School district and taught mostly world history ask, "What age child are you hoping to adopt?" until the last few years when California mandated economics be taught. As his degree was in "It doesn't really matter, so long as he fits in the business, Pete was turned into an economics cannon." teacher. Since he had a major in that and it was only taught to seniors, he really enjoyed teaching that. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 4 from The Hudson-Aire

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 5 Events of 1966 World Events Entertainment France withdraws its forces from NATO. Movies President De Gaulle visits the USSR Born Free India suffers the worst famine in 20 years; A Funny Thing Happened On The Way Lyndon Johnson asks for $1 billion in aid to To The Forum the country. A Man for All Seasons World Population: 3.415 billion The Sand Pebbles

U.S. Events Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Medicare begins (July 1). Alfie Supreme Court decides Miranda v. Arizona, A Man and a Woman protecting rights of the accused. Events Stokeley Carmichael elected president of Academy Award, Best Picture: The Sound Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee of Music, (SNCC). Population: 196,560,338 The first Star Trek episode, "The Man Trap," is broadcast on September 8. Life expectancy: 70.2 years The plot concerns a creature that sucks Economics salt from human bodies. US GDP (1998 dollars): $787.8 billion CBS backs out of plans to broadcast Federal spending: $134.53 billion Psycho, deeming the movie too violent Federal debt: $328.5 billion for at-home viewing. Unemployment: 4.5% The old Metropolitan Opera House is abandoned as the company moves to Lincoln Center. The Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.05 new Metropolitan Opera opens with Samuel Dow Jones index 800 Barber's Antony and Cleopatra Sports World Series - Baltimore d. LA Dodgers (4- The first HET chapter, the Southern 0) California Region, was chartered.

NBA Championship - Boston d. LA Lakers (4 Books - Truman Capote, In Cold Blood -3) Stanley Cup - Montreal d. Detroit (4-2) Science Wimbledon - Women: Billie Jean King d. M. Nobel Prizes in Science Bueno (6-3 3-6 6-1) Chemistry: Robert Sanderson Mulliken (US), for Men: Manuel Santana d. D. Ralston (6-4 11 research on bond holding atoms together in -9 6-4) molecule Kentucky Derby Champion - Kauai King Physics: Alfred Kastler (France), for work on energy levels inside atom NCAA Basketball Championship - Texas Western d. Kentucky (72-65)

NCAA Football Champions - Notre Dame ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (AP, UPI, FW, NFF-tie) (9-0-1) & Michigan St. (NFF-tie) (9-0-1)

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 6 socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 7 From the HET Historical Society The New Pacemaker The Hudson Triangle By 1950, The Outstanding Step-Down America’s automotive world In December of 1947, when the all new Hudson was once again was introduced, over night the term “Step-Down” becoming a became a household term for any American buyers market. interested in new cars. Even Bob Hope got in The Hudson team the act. In one of his programs, he asked how felt there were a the Hudson River got its name. The answer, number of buyers “You have to step down to get into it”. that wanted a Hudson knew she had a winner. The company Hudson, but the had spent $16 million developing the new company’s design, but it was worth every penny! The present offerings automotive writers hailed it as “far more were just out of advanced than Studebaker’s forward look or those buyer’s price range. even any of GM’s offerings”. The styling lines So a new, lower priced Hudson was added to were long and flowing, giving a sense of grace the line-up. Dubbed the Pacemaker, it was and speed, even when standing still. The low promoted as a compact car. But, it was a far cry center of gravity and suspension design made it from the compact cars we know today. It was easy to drive, and extremely roadable with actually a full size Hudson body on a 5 inch exceptional cornering, even at high speeds. shorter chassis. The engine was the new Six Available power plants included the venerable which was introduced in ’48, but with a but smooth running, splash-lubricated straight shortened stroke, producing 112 bhp. eight, which still had considerably more power Perhaps the biggest difference between the for its size than the competition’s eights. Pacemaker and the more luxurious models was However, the big news under the hood was a the interior. The car was every bit a Hudson in totally new six-cylinder engine, but more about appearance, handling, and even in performance, that later. but in order to lower the price, the ultra-luxury Production for the year skyrocketed to 142,000 interior was sacrificed in favor of a more units, with a profit of just over $13.2 million. Little conservative and basic offering both in change was needed for the ’49 model year and upholstery and interior trim. sales continued to increase, topping out at just The Pacemaker was offered in a full range of over 144,000 vehicles. Sadly with a pent-up models including two-door, four-door, club demand for new cars, and with a relatively small coupe, convertible, and even a three passenger factory, combined with the typical labor problems business coupe. Priced well below the traditional of the era, the company could only produce a Hudson models at roughly $1,600 to $1,800, the portion of what it could sell. By one source, car was an instant hit and accounted for nearly Hudson could have sold three times what it was half of the automaker’s 143,000 sales for the able to produce during the ’48 and ’49 model model year. run.

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 8 The Fabulous Hudson Hornet Throughout Hudson’s life, their mainstay was always the “Super Six” engine, and was one of the reasons for their success. Almost from its inception, Hudson had been a leader in producing quality and powerful six cylinder engines. In 1913, when most automobile manufacturers were offering only four-cylinder engines, Hudson’s engineers were experimenting with six-cylinder, V-8 and even V-12 motors. After as well. A totally new six-cylinder engine, still an considerable research and experimentation, the L-head design but with a modern full-pressure engineers decided the six was their future. oil system, hefty crankshaft journals, and large Seemingly, the team developed an affinity for inlet and exhaust ports for each cylinder. In the in-line six, and would continue to develop other words, plenty of capacity for increased and improve the design throughout all of power. (Did someone say… Hornet?) Hudson’s years as an automaker. Yes, engineering knew where their fortunes lie. By 1916 they designed the first balanced They had almost forty years of designing quality crankshaft. This was the breakthrough they had sixes under their belt, and now, using an needed. It innovative body and chassis design, they had a allowed the chance to make their mark on the automotive engine to run at world. a higher speed, and develop In 1951, the Fabulous Hudson Hornet was more introduced. Sporting a new six cylinder engine, horsepower bigger than America had ever known, the while still running Hornet used a chrome-alloy L-head block, with a smoothly. whopping 308 cubic-inch displacement, and developed 145 bhp, with 257 lb/ft torque. The all The automaker realized they had a winner and new Hornet was an instant sensation! named it the “Super-Six”. They went racing, racking up countless early wins. Racing created OUT WITH A BLAZE OF GLORY the publicity they needed, and the rest is history. Over the years a number of car manufacturers From that point forward, the automaker always have simply faded from the scene. Often times had a “Super-Six”, whether it was in a Hudson, they became badge engineered clones. They an Essex or a Terraplane. Not always named a had nothing one of their siblings or another car Super-Six, but always a “Super-Six” in manufacturer couldn’t offer so as time went by, performance. their loyal customers found themselves in When Hudson introduced her new “Step-Downs’ another dealer’s showroom buying a different in the ’48 model year, the news was not only brand. Sadly, these cars passed from the about her innovative unitized body and chassis American scene with very little notice. design, but there was big news under the hood Not so with Hudson! Some of her finest cars

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 9 nothing short of a sensation. In 1951 the Hornet took first place in twelve races out of 33. By ’52 the company met the racing challenge by developing and cataloging a host of factory items listed as either export or police use, but in reality were a means to enhance their NASCAR chances. Most importantly, Hudson introduced her “Twin H-Power” dual carburetion system. In mid-'52 they introduced the mighty "7X" Hornet engine intended for NASCAR competition but available to the public in limited numbers, per NASCAR rules. These engines sported higher compression, a racing camshaft, larger valves, extensive "relief" around the valves for better breathing and "hand massaged" intake ports. The result was an output of well over 200 HP The Hornet hit her stride in ’52 and won 27 out of 34 NASCAR Grand Nationals. The “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” dominated the NASCAR scene from the time of her introduction in 1951 through 1954 when the last of the true Hudsons were and perhaps her best innovations were offered in built. The Hudson name appeared another three her last years. They were cars that just couldn’t years, based on a Nash platform but the “real” go unnoticed even by the casual automobile Hudsons went out with a blaze of Glory! enthusiast. Her “Step Down” design for instance was revolutionary in itself. At a time when cars THE WHITE TRIANGLE typically had a high profile, Hudson’s was a mere The triangle logo appeared five feet in height. This not only gave beautiful on the first Hudson, and and distinctive styling, but the superior handling was used until the very end. allowed for further innovations. Hudson fans always called With her background in “Super Six” design, she it the white triangle, albeit went all out in ’51 with her “Fabulous Hudson brass the first couple of Hornet”. Based on the all new six-cylinder years. According to one engine design introduced with the “Step Down”, reliable source, the three the Hornet was an instant sensation throughout sides of the triangle the automotive world. The new Hornet boasted represented “performance, service, and value”. a powerful 308 cubic inch engine, and along with Over the years Hudsonites as they are Hudson’s superb handling, it was a winning affectionately called, have come up with other combination. explanations. One explanation is that the three sides represented Roy Chapin, Howard Coffin, Hudson went straight to the NASCAR track with and Fred Bezner, the three principals in the the Hornet and it was a winner! The car was original Hudson team. A booklet published by

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 10 Hudson in 1910, explains that one side of the triangle represents the designer and the The Southern California chapter of the HET factory workers, the second "may be taken to Club is a Life-time member of the represent" the dealer organization, and the HET Historical Society heths.info third side represents the buyer ... the owners. Which ever explanation you choose, each shows the devotion of both the company and HETHS Application the fans to an outstanding brand. Hudson fans were, and still are a devoted group, devoted to $______LIFE Member $1,000 or more their beloved marque, somewhat opinionated, $______CONTRIBUTING Member $100 and not easily swayed. It’s to this group we owe a debt of gratitude. For they through their $______ACTIVE Membership $40 dedication, hard work, and often times $______GIFT in Honor or in Memory of considerable personal expense have kept the three Hudson products (Hudson, Essex and ______Terraplane) alive these many years. The $______General Donation Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club itself boasts ______3,500 dedicated members world wide. Thanks to all those Hudson fans we can attend a $ ______TOTAL funds enclosed. collector car show and expect to see some beautiful examples of automobiles built by the Name: “Great Hudson Motor Car Company”, and we can understand with a bit more depth what Address: America lost when America lost Hudson.

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Email: Depressed

A guy sits down at the bar and orders drink after Please make payment by cash, check, or money drink. order payable to HET Historical Society, Inc., in US Dollars, and mail to: "Is everything okay, pal?" the bartender asks. Cheryl Holz, 13270 McKanna Road "My wife and I got into a fight and she said she Minooka, IL 60447 isn't talking to me for a month!" Thanks for your Support! Trying to put a positive spin on things, the bartender says, "Well, maybe that's kind of a good thing. You know,...a little peace and quiet?" "Yeah. But today is the last day!"

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socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 11 SCC Officers Communications: Bob Ross 626/355-8747 Membership: Susan Ross 626/355-8747 President: Bob Ross 626/355-8747 Technical Advisor: Jon Cronk 805/987-8187 Vice Pres: Stephen Marshall 661/946-9027 Chapter Store: Jon Cronk 805/987-8187 Secretary: Susan Ross 626/355-8747 Past President: Jon Cronk 805/987-8187 Treasurer: Ruth Hay 818/247-0753 Region Director: David Putnam Tour Chairman: Stephen Marshall 661/946-9027 HET President: Aaron Cooper 515/278-5235

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 12 Hudson Essex Terraplane Club, Inc. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Name ______Spouse______

Email Address______Phone______

Street Address ______

City______State ______ZIP ______

HET Membership No.______(Found on the WTN Label)

(National HET membership is required for local chapter membership) Newsletter Preference: ______Electronic (pdf) or ______Paper

Hudson-built cars owned: Year Make Model Body Style # of Cyl. Condition ______

______LIST ADDITIONAL CARS ON SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER MAKE CHECKS OR MONEY ORDERS PAYABLE TO “So. Cal. HET. Club” AND MAIL TO: Membership Chairman, 150 South Michillinda Avenue, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 ————————————————————————————- SCC ACTIVITY SURVEY What Types Of Chapter Activities Do You Enjoy Most And Are Most Important For You?

Suggestions for Future Chapter Activities and Events:

What Things Make It Difficult For You To Participate In Chapter Activities?

socalhet.org The First HET Chapter - 50 Years and Still Going page 13 Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club Southern California Chapter 150 South Michillinda Avenue Sierra Madre, CA 91024

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The First HET Chapter Chapter HET First The 50 Years and Still Going Still and Years 50 -

The SCC Hudson Reflector Newsletter has been recognized by Old Cars Weekly’s 2015 Golden Quill Golden 2015 Weekly’s Cars Old by recognized been has Newsletter Reflector Hudson SCC The