79-Year-Old Heidi Hetzer and ‘Hudo.’ Photos: heidi-around-the-world.com
An 86-year-old car that is touring the world has gone for repairs. Retired German rally driver Heidi Hetzer (79) took ‘Hudo’ the Hudson to Cape Town’s specialist motoring centre Crossley & Webb in Solan Road yesterday afternoon. This morning it was still there as was its famous owner.
The Hudson was manufacturer in 1930.
“Yes, she’s here, sitting in the coffee bar,” reported the lady who answered the phone. She did not know what was wrong with the car but yesterday Crossley & Webb tweeted discreetly, “Heidi & Hudo have been around the world, what an achievement!”
Left Berlin in 2014
Heidi left her hometown of Berlin in July 2014. Not many people would attempt even a drive to the corner shop in a car that dates back to 1930, but the Hudson’s advanced age has not put this motoring enthusiast off one bit. Heidi’s CV is all about cars: prior to retiring she was an automobile dealer, rally driver and classic car collector as well as a popular celebrity in Berlin, states her website.
Heidi’s journey has been both lonely and sociable. She was initially accompanied by a male co-driver but according to her website they split up in September 2014, a mere two months after setting out.
The Hudson is now getting TLC at Crossley & Webb in Cape Town. Photo: Crossley & Webb
‘Hudo’ broke down a few times
Her tour has taken her and the Hudson through Eastern Europe, Central Asia, China, South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada. Hiccups occurred along the way. In Canada Heidi lost a finger in an accident while working under the car. In Chile vintage car enthusiasts helped to get the Hudson running after a breakdown. ‘Hudo’ also went in for repairs in Uzbekistan and Australia, but Heidi took all of this in her stride.
You can only do this kind of thing if you are very young or very old, says Heidi.
Here’s hoping ‘Hudo’ is up and running soon, Heidi!
