It is hard to put into words how disability alters life’s journey. For my father, it was the fading of a lifelong dream.
He purchased the 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible in the late 1950’s from the original owner using money he saved from his paper route. After serving in the Air Force, working for the Post Office for 40 years, raising a family and volunteering in his community, he was finally ready to retire and dedicate his time to restoration.
Mid-way through, he suffered a stroke, paralyzing him, and his dream faded.
Then he learned about hand controls. Perhaps you’ve heard of them - adaptive equipment that allow people who can no longer drive with their feet to drive with their hands. Hand controls for driving as well as adaptive sports have demonstrated how people living with disability can adjust and move on, living their lives on their terms.
In 2014, we revealed plans to restore and adapt the 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible and put disabled drivers behind its wheel. For disabled citizens struggling with life’s journey and for wounded warriors who sacrificed so much on our behalf, driving the Hudson Hornet convertible will offer them a rebirth of life’s possibilities. All behind the wheel of an American classic with roots in racing.
With my father’s restoration plan in hand, and all of the parts meticulously preserved and categorized, we are working with Jon Schuchart Customs in Columbia, PA to restore and adapt the Hudson.
When it comes to adaptation, Driving Aids Development Corporation (DADC), will outfit the Hudson with its suite of hand controls so that people can drive with their operation of choice.
Our goal: Driving events with disabled drivers behind the wheel!
Our restoration wish list:
- Chrome services
- Upholstery services
- Exterior painting funding
- Four white wall tires donation
- Funding with mechanics help beyond our knowledge
Our event wish list:
- Trailer services
- Event venue (Museums, Car Clubs, Racetracks, etc) hosting and/or sponsorships
- Funding to employ disabled car mechanics
In thanks, everyone who helps out will be memorialized in the “trunk museum” we are creating for all events. Plus, sponsors will be included in all media opportunities!
We extend to you an invitation to join us. If you or any part of your organization wishes to get involved, with labor, expertise, publicity, or funds, please contact us.
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Our thanks on a custom note card emblazoned with a picture of the completed 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible.
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Our thanks and a color 8 x 10 photograph of the completed 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible.
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Our thanks and a mug emblazoned with a photograph of the completed 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible.
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Our thanks and a t-shirt emblazoned with a photograph of the completed 1952 Hudson Hornet convertible.
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Our thanks, the 8 x 10, the mug, the t-shirt, and your name on the plaque for the “trunk” museum to be displayed at events.
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Our thanks and an advertising opportunity at one of the event venues.
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Our thanks and an opportunity to advertise at an event of your choosing.
