Walt Mordenti is 99-1/2!
Walt Mordenti, known by many for his technical knowledge of Hudsons, will turn 100 years old in July of 2021. He's currently enjoying life in his San Francisco home, and would love to hear from his many friends
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I've posted Walt's contact information over at the H-E-T Forum where you can read it under the 'Hudson' sub-forum, at https://hetclub.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=topic&catid=18&id=5775&Itemid=1367 .
If anyone has difficulty reaching that forum discussion, please e-mail me for the contact info, at xxxdetailed@verizon.net (drop the xxx before sending!).
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I've posted Walt's contact information over at the H-E-T Forum where you can read it under the 'Hudson' sub-forum, at https://hetclub.org/index.php?option=com_kunena&view=topic&catid=18&id=5775&Itemid=1367 .
If anyone has difficulty reaching that forum discussion, please e-mail me for the contact info, at xxxdetailed@verizon.net (drop the xxx before sending!).
Comments
Old Fogey UK mentioned that he talked to Walt about being in Army Air Force in England in WW2. Here is picture Walt in uniform that he sent to his mom (Your loving son Wally) and a link to his service biography in The American Air Museum in Britain https://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/242927 . Maybe this will be of interest to WW2 buffs? Walt was drafted into the Army Air Force in 1942. He was stationed at Kimbolton Airfield in England and served in the 8th Airforce Air Corps, 1st Bombardment Division, 41st Bombardment Wing, 379th Bombardment Group, 525th Bombardment Squadron. Walt was a Master Mechanic and Aircraft Carburetion and Ignition expert. He was assigned to the Ordnance Crew. According to the American Air Museum of Britain, the 379th Bomb Group (H) (heavy) flew more sorties than any other Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force and dropped a greater bomb tonnage than any other Group. On June 5, 1944, Walt worked all night, loading bombs and setting the fuses as the B-17 bombers were preparing to take off on D-Day. Along with these duties, Walt repaired planes and rebuilt engines.
A true Hudson Legend …...Walt Mordenti by Carl Germain
Walt’s dad was an automotive mechanic at the Moody-Wilcox Hudson Motor Car Company in Waterbury, CT. The service manager, Ray Hayden, fixed cars at night in his backyard; in 1934, he offered young Walt (13 years old) an opportunity to work with him after school hours. In 1937, Walt began working fulltime at Moody’s to help support his family. He stayed until he was drafted in 1942. He served in the 8th Airforce Air Corps as an Aircraft Carburetion and Ignition expert until 1945. He returned to Waterbury, CT and opened his own business servicing all cars, but he was always a Hudson-man at heart. In fact he sold Hudsons and later AMC as a subdealer for Moody’s son. Over the years, Walt had many automotive roles that included specialization with Hudson, AMC, and Cadillac.
Walt was involved with auto racing during his career. He owned a Ford V8-60 midget, and he reluctantly switched to Offenhauser when the choice became obvious. He raced with ARDC and NEMA chapters on the East Coast. In February 1956, he set the fastest time on the sands of Daytona Beach in a non-Offenhauser midget (118.421 mph). In 1957, he won the Ford championship with ARDC. He sold the midget in 1966 to send his son to college, but in 1968 he was back into racing...only this time behind the wheel! That’s right, he was owner, mechanic, and driver for an AMX-powered stock car, which he raced every Saturday night on the 1/2-mile high-banked dirt track in Lebanon Valley, NY. In 1969, he was Rookie of the year; in 1970, he was recognized as the most improved driver. He raced his 394 cubic inch AMX-powered Gremlin until 1978.
Walt & Margaret Mordenti were dedicated Hudson folks. They so enjoyed their numerous road trips in Hudsons. Together, they attended nearly 30 Hudson National Meets.......at least 17 in his beautiful WALTS53. Their travels contained 150,000 miles of adventure, crossing the country 19 times, visiting all 48 States, 5 Provinces of Canada and friends and family along the way. They were road warriors and they had their favorite places to stay and places to eat. Walt loved to drive fast and consistently took the 53 up to 80+....even rumored to exceed 100mph!!!
Walt’s Masterpiece…. a 1953 Hudson Hornet Coupe was acquired from Bill Albright. It needed everything. Walt rebuilt everything, added A/C, power steering(rack&pinion, custom brackets...no cutting the frame) which Walt calls “power steering by Walt”, 2.73 ring & pinion in the stock Dana 44, and numerous other goodies to provide for: better cooling, oil filtering, enhanced fuel delivery, hotter reliable spark with AMC distributor & electronic ignition, heavy duty Ford 12v starter especially machined to fit the Hudson bell housing, massive sway bar, cruise control, enhanced gauges & tachometer, working clock, under front end cooling air scoop, halogen headlights, etc…...a famous work of automotive art…...could certainly be the most widely known Hudson in the country.
Margaret kept a journal to record their trips, which captured their experiences and included comments about how the car was performing, the weather, the changing scenery, traffic stops, delays due to crowds admiring the 53, anticipation of eating something special at a favorite diner etc. Walt’s faithful navigator and was always at his side.
Walt is among the unique of HET members. He actually lived in the Hudson era, worked on them when they were new, wrenched and raced them, restored them and drove the wheels off of them.
Walt shared his expert knowledge with our Club with his column “Walt’s Garage” for over 15 years and provided HET advice, support and encouragement by email & phone daily til 10pm PST.
Walt, the HET community takes pause to honor a true Hudson Legend and to thank you for all your effort and contributions to keeping our cars fit and on the road.
Walt (on left) with his 1934 Terraplane, brother Hector (middle) and father Ettore. Photo taken in Cape Cod.
Stay Healthy,
Ivan