Long before joining the IndyCar series, Formula One and endurance racing, Mario Andretti used to compete in stock car racing. His first car was a 1948 Hudson Hornet, which Mario and his twin brother Aldo modified and raced on oval dirt tracks in 1959.
While very few motorsport enthusiasts remember that, Mario never forgot about the race car he used to drive when he was a teenager. Now a famous retiree, with several trophies to his name and a "Driver of the Century" award, Mario Andretti was finally reunited with his first car thanks to Gran Turismo's First Love video series.
The team chronicled the efforts to rebuild the 1948 Hudson to the exact specifications it was raced by Andretti 54 years ago and presented it to the 73-year-old driver earlier this month, during a touching meeting on a dirt track. Andretti was obviously impressed by GT's endeavor and took the race car out of a spin, reliving his early days as a racing driver.
Those of you who fancy such classic racers can enjoy Andretti's Hudson in Gran Turismo, as the vehicle ended up being rendered in the game. But until you take log in to take it out for a spin, head over below to watch the great Mario at work.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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