Once the pent-up demand for new automobiles post-World War II was resolved, the grim reaper would start to come after the independent automakers. This included Kaiser-Frazer Corp, Nash-Kelvinator Corp., and Hudson Motor Car Co. To survive, the latter two joined forces in 1954 to become American Motors Corp. This 1956 Hudson Hornet Hollywood is from the next-to-last year that Hudson cars would be sold under that name. As a nifty garage find in Merced, California, this rare project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $2,500. Kudos to T.J. for uncovering a rarely-seen automobile!
The Hudson Hornet debuted in 1951 and its slippery shape would help the car win races in the early days of NASCAR. Its design would change going into 1955 as Nash-Hudson cars would begin getting redone as part of AMC. Production shifted from Detroit, Michigan to Kenosha, Wisconsin where AMC would live on through 1987. Initial Hudson sales were disappointing, so AMC did an update on the styling in 1956, the year the seller’s car was built. V8 power would be supplied – for a time – by Packard who was also joining forces with Studebaker.
This era of Hornets is known for its “v-line styling” including the front grille. Though rather interesting to look at now, buyers continued to be unimpressed. In 1956, AMC only built 6,512 Hornet 4-door sedans and 1,640 of the 2-door hardtops dubbed “Hollywood” perhaps to sound sexier. Details of the seller’s car are minimal, but it looks to have just been extricated from a garage when the photos were taken. It comes complete with a Continental kit for the spare tire which probably makes it even rarer to own today.
While the seller says the car has its original 352 cubic inch Packard V8, sources indicated that the Packard 320 CI was what was offered in the early months of ’56 production. After that, they shifted to a new V8 supplied by AMC itself, a 250. The automatic transmission should be Packard’s Ultramatic. The vehicle doesn’t run, and we don’t know how long it’s been since. Overall, the car looks to be in fair condition, but a restoration is in order. Would this be a valuable antique auto at that point, but you won’t get a title if you buy it; a bill of sale only (perhaps the title was lost).
I saw a nicely refurbished one of these at a show, and it was, for me at least, the most interesting entry.
I don’t recall ever seeing one of these. That front end is, uh, distinctive, but the more I look at it the more I like it. The continental kit would have to go though. I really hope it gets restored.
Being a Vintage Rolls Canardly ( Roll down one hill and Canardly get up the next), I recall the Nash Hudson merger, closing Hudson facility. The grille was one of the attempts to maintain Hudson features to distinguish it from Nash. Both used Hollywood name for 2 door hips. Many referred to these as HASH as Hudson was so much like the Nash. Unfortunately 57 was the last year for both traditional Hudson and Nash. Although the AMBASSADOR lived on in the AMC 58 AMBASSADOR by Rambler.
Nash did not use “Hollywood” as a name for its pillarless hardtops. Its term was “Country Club.”
The only interchangeabilities were the back doors, bumpers and trunk lids. Also, the 1958 Ambassador was originally to be the 1958 Hudson.
I agree, the continental kit is a bit too much. Must be tough to parallel park.
The Continental kit was from the factory on these and was standard equipment on some Nash and Hudson models.
From ’52 watermelon style ( which we had) to the ’56 styling was quite a step!! Looks like a great project car.
A two door, not horribly rusted unit that appears to check all the correct boxes. It is not ridiculously priced. It is a uniquely styled vehicle that likely runs fine once awoken. I have enough things that some I may never finish but it you are looking for a fun project out of the safety box. This is it. I’m glad as I have aged I have less money and more sense or …… yeah, a real car person that is not a high roller will enjoy the crap out of this car.
After the merger in ’54, Hudson ceased to exist. The 55-57 Hudsons weren’t like a Nash, they WERE a Nash, with a Hudson badge. I don’ t know if Packard had fixed their horrible Ultramatic transmission by ’56, but if they hadn’t, plan on a transmission rebuild. That transmission put the final nails in the coffins of Packard, Hudson and Nash.
Oooff ! the era of the stepdown Hudson were long gone by the time this monster arrived – a face only a mother could love
LOL to my last born from Mudda Hudson, 😃 😀 😄 😁 🤣 😂
….on payday.
I could see all kinds of modifications and show winning treats to this body style. GM drivetrain and underpinnings, perfomance braking system, multi-colored orange/red/blue/green paint scheme, and that spare tire cover with Virgin Mary holding her hands out.
I grew up in the San Fernando Valley.
How nice for you on all counts.
I was thinking how that Hudson would have looked at Saugus Speedway back in the 60’s.
Or an Edsel
Love you handle! So appropriate. Today’s vehicles are completely FUBAR! 👍
Hollywood was used for Hudson hardtops introduced in early 1950’s.
The Nash/Hudson that collectors want is the model with the 327 engine. As a former collector of stepdown Hudson’s, there is nothing Hudson about these 1955 and up Hudson’s other than the badge. Hudson in name only. The consumer was not that stupid.
So just curious. Is there a time limit on your perspective. For example, on Feb. 4, 1922, Henry Ford, with encouragement from his wife Clara and his son Edsel Ford, purchased The Lincoln Motor Company, using your logic, the Lincoln post maybe 1936 is really a Ford and is just a Lincoln in name only?
Just an awful looking car in almost every way. The continental kit just make it more hideous.
Just don’t let the Kansas Crusher see it!
I don’t find it an ugly car, although I believe some customization could improve it, especially if the work concentrated on cleaning up the front end. Under the hood, some AMC parts to replace Hudson/Packard parts might not go amiss – 390 or 401 anybody?
My mom & dad had a two-tone blue Hudson Hornet Special back when my brother and I rode in the back seat. It was passed down to them by my Paw-Paw who once had me in the front passenger seat where I promptly tried to roll down the window while pulling out of the driveway but instead opened the door, fell out and cut a gash in my head. He had to scoop me up and head to the emergency room to get it sewed up. Great car as I remember. This one may take some bucks to get it in order. As others say, lose the continental kit. The ‘56 mom & dad had didn’t have one. Too gainly.