Duane Aspengren’s “Night Train” | The Jalopy Journal The Jalopy Journal

You could know the identify Kevan Sledge from the popular (notorious?) SoCal-based ‘Shifters’ car or truck club, creating headlines in the 90s as part of the resurgence of standard very hot rods and customs. These days, Kevan operates a shop in Northern California setting up some really amazing personalized automobiles, concentrating generally on ’39-’40 Mercurys. He lately took possession of a sectioned ’49 Hudson called Night Prepare, that was truly showcased in Scorching Rod magazine two times in the 50s.

Back in 2010, HAMBers acquired information that the motor vehicle was nevertheless all over when one more SoCal Shifter, Axle posted this:

“A loved ones good friend Ed Mueller and I drove up to Sacramento back in 1991 where he purchased “Night Train” a sectioned 1949 Hudson that created Hot Rod journal in 1953 and all over again in 1958. It is remaining concluded up and will debut in January. Motor vehicle was initially developed by its owner Duane Aspengren. My buddy not too long ago identified Duane’s loved ones where by they gave him quite a few trophies from the San Diego Autorama again in the 50’s & early 60’s , a motor vehicle club jacket, and a vehicle club plaque. Every little thing will be exhibited up coming to the vehicle. Except for the to start with photograph the relaxation have in no way been viewed to the public. Ed Mueller contacted just one of Petersen publishing’s retired Image Journalists who did the ’58 image shoot at Balboa Park in San Diego. The photographer (Bob Hardee) experienced 30 primary negatives after all these decades and i’m posting 5 of them as a taster. Get pleasure from.”

Kevan shared news of the the latest acquisition, together with a little extra historical past and this update:

“I recently turned the new caretaker of Duane Aspengren’s “Night Train” 1949 Hudson! It was featured in Hot Rod magazine in 1953 as a delicate tailor made then once more in 1959 as a much more radical tailor made. It received a number of car demonstrates back again in the day like the prime customized award at the 1961 San Diego Autorama picked by George Barris. Duane sectioned the car 4 inches and channeled it a different 4 inches. He mounted a 49 Merc grille opening, 57 Corvette grille, Louvered hood, shaved the overall body, personalized 49 Packard rear bumper, frenched 49 Merc taillights, frenched 53 merc headlights, customized sprint with a ton of gauges, 56 Ford steering wheel, 57 Plymouth hubcaps, and tuck and roll upholstery. The auto desires a few items cosmetically to make it appear like it did in 1959 like the lessen facet stainless, mirrors, antenna, inventory seats, and the front close elevated up a bit, but it’s not also significantly off. I was told this motor vehicle started a enormous lowrider scene in San Diego in the early 60’s. Duane bought it sometime in the 60’s then it was owned by customers of the Night Prowlers club for a even though. At some place it manufactured its way to NorCal and had a bit of history up in this article right before getting purchased and restored by Ed Muller in the 90’s.

Just cannot hold out to see this one back on the road…