He tracked down some other interesting classics as well…
Few in the business are as good at tracking down interesting, rare barn finds like Tom Cotter. His show Barn Find Hunter helps give viewers a taste of what it’s like to access some exclusive collections hidden away from prying eyes for years, even decades on end. In One of the latest episodes, Tom visits an old buddy who has acquired several impressive classic cars, including a 1951 Hudson Pacemaker.
Thanks to dramatic NASCAR victories and a generally bombastic image, the Hudson Hornet captured the attention of the press and public in post-World War II America. The Pacemaker, which was overshadowed by its bigger brother in the early 1950s, was the Hudson that was more attainable and inexpensive.
The Pacemaker had a fastback despite being a smaller and less expensive model, giving it a streamlined appearance. The lower overall height, made possible by Hudson’s Step Down design, which keeps the center of gravity lower for better handling, served to emphasize this even more.
Starting in 1953, the Pacemaker was renamed the Wasp and Super Wasp. Production dropped dramatically, even though the Pacemaker was never a volume seller like some competing cars. This is why you won’t run across these much anymore, so to see one on Barn Find Hunter is a real treat.
This Pacemaker’s owner made the decision to upgrade it by installing a turbocharger, British carburetor, and a 5-speed transmission, making it more hotter than it was when it left the factory.
On the same property is a treasure trove of barn finds, including a 1960 Ford Starliner, Porsche 914/6, and a Ford Merkur of all things. One of the most fascinating rides he has squirreled away in a shipping container is what he calls “the remains of a Model T Ford.” It’s a racecar made using a Model T as a backbone, along with speed components often used back in the day for home-built racers.
Since 1976, American Collectors Insurance has focused on safeguarding the interests of collector enthusiasts of all stripes, including those who are passionate about American muscle vehicles, antique/classic cars, hot rods, resto-mods, vintage cars, classic motorbikes, and speciality collections like automobilia.