Around the World in a 1930 Sedan

Dad was thundering around a corner in West Seattle on a training run, when he noticed an unusual automobile parked in the driveway of one of the homes along the street. Though Dad is an accomplished foot racer, and very dedicated to his training, but just like Mongo, he is also known for almost never passing up the opportunity for a quick break from his cardio training to investigate something unusual along his route.

Here was a 1930’s sedan with all kinds of custom paint along its sides. This was just too good to pass up. Dad stopped and looked it over, particularly since Dad really enjoys unique old automobiles. (Click HERE to see pictures from Dad’s recent visit to the Port Orchard car show.)

The name of the driver on the car was Heidi Hetzer. The car itself appeared to be christened “Hudo”. Dad made a note to look into this mystery further on the internet.

Dad quickly found that Heidi Hetzer is a 77-year-old former automobile dealer, rally car driver, classic car collector and popular celebrity in Berlin, Germany.

She is currently circumnavigating the globe in a vintage  1930 Hudson.. She started her trek in July 2014 in Berlin. She is journeying alone, more or less, and is following in the tracks of fellow Duetschlander Clärenore Stinnes, who made a similar journey from 1927 to 1929.

Heidi’s travels had taken her through Eastern Europe, Central Asia, China, South Asia and Australia. From the Island Continent, she traveled to Los Angeles, and on to Oregon, and eventually Washington, where Dad had come across her Hudson, which is indeed named “Hudo”.  Her website is http://heidi-around-the-world.com/about/

Hudo appears to be a bit of a cantankerous fellow, as he overheated in Seattle. (Click HERE to see the video.) There may have been more damage from that incident than had originally be estimated, as Hudo again let Heidi down at the end of August as she re-entered the U.S. from Canada. Initial assessments are that Hudo has blown a head gasket.

Heidi says she’s glad that she was able to get back to Canada to have Hudo’s top end rebuilt, as the U.S. mechanics are too concerned with liability to work on poor Hudo. Clearly, Heidi has never met Mongo’s adopted brother Drewbie, who as an auto mechanic is famous for changing out a set of rear leaf springs on Jeep Cherokee in a hunting camp on a gravel drive using a steel pipe and old stump for tools, just because he could!

Drewbie and Mongo

Mongo, Dad, and Drewbie all  hope that Heidi and Hudo are able to get back on the road soon and finish their journey safely.  And if Hudo ever needs an attitude adjustment with a stump and a piece of pipe, you know who to call.