Even if you don't know a thing about cars, one look
at this vehicle tells you it's one hot ride. It even
originated from a place known for its intense heat.
Theo Kuypers, the car's owner, found the car's body
in Phoenix, Arizona. The desert loca on meant the
body was rust-free, but the only part of the car that
remains original is the top of the roof. The rest of it
was modified, every square inch. Theo had a lot of
help turning the Hornet into the head-turner you see
here. Gary was his partner in the build. The two men
spent seven years crea ng perfec on. Gary did the
work, Theo provided guidance (and cash).
In the 1950s, Hudsons dominated stock car racing,
becoming a force to be reckoned with on the
NASCAR circuit. During the 1952 NASCAR Grand
Na onal season, Hudsons won 27 of the 34 Grand
Na onal races. One of the reasons for its impressive
racing performance, says Theo, was the car's
innova ve low center of gravity. They were one
of the first cars produced with a sunken floor. This
"step down" body design also gave the car superior
handling abili es, allowing it to out-maneuver other
cars. In the end, Hudson merged with Nash to form
AMC, and the brand disappeared in 1957.
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