The last time Monte Gisborne’s 1929 Hudson Super Six was on the road was in a parade to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BC Automobile Association in 1960. So it’s only fitting it made its reappearance at another parade, last Saturday’s procession of classics that comprised the Port Coquitlam car show.
Gisborne acquired the rare dark green sedan that was renowned for its powerful flathead six engine last spring from the family of the late bicycle shop proprietor and car collector, Cap Hobbis. Since then he’s been meticulously working to get the car back into working condition after it had been squirrelled away in a warehouse for years.
It wasn’t always a smooth process.
“So many issues developed which threatened to scuttle my plans,” said Gisborne, who’s brought renewed life to about 29 vintage cars over the years.
Some of those issues included a leaking carburetor and fuel system that refused to deliver fuel to the engine.
Gisborne said he searched the world for original parts from other collectors, sourcing some from as far away as New Zealand and Florida. He said he doesn’t restore vehicles as much service them so they’ll work again.
“The Hudson Super Six is a survivor,” he said. “My job has been that of a mechanic sorting out the mechanical issues that have occurred since its last service sometime around 1959.”
Saturday’s cruise of about 250 vehicles through Port Coquitlam may have been slower than the Hudson was used to in its heyday. The car was regularly used by gangsters as a getaway vehicle because it was faster than anything used by the local constabulary.
Gisborne said but for one hiccup that he was able to rectify with a few turns of a crescent wrench, the Hudson performed its parade duties admirably.
“I could not be more impressed with the old gal,” he said. “She’s a joy to handle.”
