Some builds are subtle. This Hudson Terraplane monster truck is not one of them! Currently listed here on eBay, this creation takes a 1930s Hudson body and mounts it on a Chevrolet 3/4-ton truck chassis. It’s the kind of build that doesn’t ask for attention — it demands it. Get ready, because people are going to stop and stare.
Under the hood sits a 355 small-block V8 backed by a TH350 automatic transmission. It’s a durable combination with excellent parts availability and a long track record in hot rods and off-road builds alike. Using a Chevy 3/4-ton chassis makes practical sense as well — the platform is tough and well-suited to something riding this high off the ground. This is just proven American hardware designed to take abuse and keep going.
Underneath, there’s a 4-link suspension setup riding on massive 40-inch knobby tires. This combination gives the truck serious ground clearance and a stance that means business. The lift isn’t just cosmetic; it’s built to handle rough terrain and maybe a crushed car or two. Whether it ever sees serious trail time or just cruises around town, the proportions alone make it impossible to ignore.
From the front, you can still recognize that classic Terraplane grille. Rat rods aren’t typically my thing, but the mix of pre-war styling and off-road hardware used here is interesting. It’s giving me Volvo Sugga vibes. The trunk-mounted axes are a nice touch, too. Do you have to be a firefighter or lumberjack to drive this thing, though?
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Inside, the cabin features leather seats sourced from a Jeep and not much else. That B-pillar looks pretty thin, so a roll cage and proper harnesses might not be a bad idea. Some monster truck shows let locals take their trucks around the track before the big boys come out. It’s usually good for a laugh — but just imagine the cheers when you roll into the arena in this beast!
Would you take it straight to a mud pit, or is this wild Hudson better suited for shocking people at the local cruise night?
Why?? Just freaking why???
Different strokes for different folks comes to mind. However I am in full agreement, WTF?
Because it is too cool!!!
This oughta be featured in the next Mad Max film. No prep work needed.
Mel Gibson would approve.
More accurately, his nemeses Toecutter and Lord Humungus would approve…
Sitting at $28,137.00 I still think this is a bargain. Virtually every conversion like this looks like what it is, a car on a truck chassis. But this takes that vibe to a completely new level. I find it very easy to believe this was built like this from the start and lived a wild life in the untamed desert. The proportions, patina, stance, and accessories ( well perhaps not the machine gun and skull) are perfectly rendered.
The details are amazing in the photos and I bet it is even better in person. It elevates (pun intended) the entire rat rod genre and may be the start of something big, 40s sedans on 4×4 chassis. I wouldn’t change a thing except the modern K/N air cleaners, in fact I think this piece of rolling art could continue to evolve. Who would have thunk it. Five stars, GBA…
General Patton approves…
Somebody is going to buy this and it will be at sema next year! Might even win, hmmmmmm!
The Mad Max vibe is strong… I love it. I don’t think I would change a thing… including the machine gun and skull. Why am I always a day late, a dollar short, and/or space challenged?
Is that MA DEUCE sitting on the roof ?
Sure looks like it
Two vehicles ruined!
One thing for sure every kid at the car shows will be around this car.
Witness Me!!
Wow, just wow! While I am probably not a potential buyer, I have to admit that I think this creature is pretty freaking cool. If I had a bunch of money sitting around and already had everything I had ever hoped for, I would be all over this thing.
Love it. Inspires me to finish my 66 El Camino Rat Rod. Nice find.
Looks like something out of A WWII flick. Awesome.
Hey Pa did you bring the moon shine
Being a Hudson fan for many years. (Had a ’46 Club Coupe as a project car in high-school) That being said, as has been pointed out on the forum many times. The desirability of 4 door pre-war sedans has waned considerably. So by doing this it has kept one of these alive. I am a fan of many “rat-rods” as most use undesirable cars/trashed parts to build something fun. I am most impressed with the originality/resourcefulness of the builders. The dual air filters are particularly fun. The suspension looks well thought out and performed. I think it is very cool! Makes me want to build something similar.
Hi Wayne, I wanted to get in on this before it goes away. I’m with you, on one hand, it’s a shame they used this particular car, as rare as they are, but must remember, to the builder, it was just an old car in the weeds. On the other, at least it was saved, in an unusual fashion.
It should be noted, like you say, this is more rat-rod than monster truck. Rat rods rarely resemble any particular make, a hodge podge of oddities, at least this resembles something, from the running boards down, it is a monster truck. I wish they would have used a different car too. Rat rods, as illustrated here, are the epitome of creativity. I think it’s really cool too. I suppose with current events, I could do without the gun. Might raise some concern.
So bizzare, it’s oddly attractive!
Would love to drive this to church on Sunday !
As an old 4wheeler that has trekked the Rubicon a time or two-I love this thing!
great save of an unloved rusty 4-dr that more than likely would have sat rusting away until it eventually was scrapped or bought as front clip donor and then scrapped.
I’m loving the details of the rig, but I just don’t know how to put a value on it. $28 Large for it…I’d guess the builder is in it $8-$12k if its a DIY. The Studebaker(?)r pickup rat rod in the background says maybe so to me.
The pumpkin of the front axel needs to better aligned with the driveshaft.
Otherwise you are going to burn up the U joint.
Ran into that problem with my 64 GMC.
The harder the angle it is on, the more trouble you will get over time.
The perch points will need to be cut and rewelded to match the angle of the shaft.
That would be a best of class at any car show.
I think i see a Diamond T cab in the background.
I have a 1996 Toyota Landcruiser, lots of rust I am trying to fix. I have often talked about body swapping to a 30’s era vehicle instead of 3k or more of sheetmetal. Already have the ARB with a winch/35″ tires so I got the bones of it, lol
Go for it Douglas. The Toyota has a solid frame. Just check for rear differential for cracks. I do that kind of stuff all the time. Better than just letting the old stuff get crushed. That way you are still at least acknowledging the the old stuff.