Occasionally a classic car will come into our lives that is simply jaw-dropping, and this 1950 Hudson Pacemaker would have to fit that description. This is an original and unmolested survivor, but what makes it truly amazing is the fact that the odometer shows 8,300 miles. Not only are those miles original, but the owner is able to verify them as genuine. The owner has now decided that the time is right to part with the Hudson, so he has listed it for sale here on Barn Finds classifieds. It is located in Billings, Montana, and it can be all yours for $14,000.
It is hard to know where to start with the Pacemaker because, for a 70-year-old car, the condition is very impressive. We’ve all heard of those classics where they are described as a “one-owner, little old lady who only driven to church on Sunday” cars. Well, this is literally one of those cars. It did only come out for the weekly trip to church, and that is one of the reasons why the mileage is so astoundingly low. For those who will express their doubts, the owner does have the evidence to verify the claim. The Golden Gray Light paint holds a very nice shine, but it isn’t perfect. It has some very minor marks and scratches, which is hardly surprising after all of these years. Addressing them would be an easy process, but for my money, I probably wouldn’t touch them. I’d be very tempted to retain the car’s existing appearance and original survivor status. The Hudson must have spent its life stored in a virtually ideal location because there isn’t a hint of rust anywhere. The exterior trim and chrome are in great condition, while the glass appears to be perfect.
There are no engine photos, but we do know that under the hood is a 232ci flathead 6-cylinder engine, and this would produce 112hp. After it had seen active duty for less than 10-years, the Hudson was placed into storage. This is where it remained for the best part of 60-years before the current owner was finally able to purchase it. Apart from only being used for the weekly church trip, this is the other reason why the Pacemaker has accumulated such low mileage. That low mileage also accounts for the fact that when it did come out of storage, it was still rolling on its 70-year-old tires. In returning the vehicle to active duty, those tires have now been replaced. In addition, the braking system has been refurbished, the fuel tank and water pump received similar treatment, while the original radiator was treated to a new copper core. The result is a classic that now runs and drives perfectly. The owner states that it will happily cruise at 80mph, and he would drive the Hudson on a long journey right now with no hesitation.
The owner describes the Pacemaker’s interior as being original, and apart from a small mouse hole in the headliner, it is in as-new condition. It doesn’t feature a radio, but the original seats should provide occupants with a soft and supple ride. The dash is a model of both simplicity and symmetry, with the speedometer and a clock being mounted on either side of a central section. It will be a matter of choice as to whether the next owner replaces the damaged headliner, but given the fact that the hole is said to be small, it might be something that can be lived with.
For the 1950 model year, Hudson managed to sell 61,752 examples of the Pacemaker across all body types. Their survival rate hasn’t been high, and the 4-door version, in particular, doesn’t come onto the market that often. That already makes this Hudson a fairly rare buy. Add in the mileage, and owning it really would seem to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
It seems odd that people using Barn Finds classifieds don’t include engine, interior or under car photos. You would think that if they are familiar with this site they would know that a buyer would want to see these things.
Hi Jack, Take another look at the Classified Ad! The seller’s daughter took and sent over some additional photos of the interior and one of the engine.
Nice car. I wouldn’t cruise at 80, though. My “Pacemaker” couldn’t handle it.
How many of you people remember the famous reference to Hudson’s famous “Step Down Design” ?
That, and it was the only car to come with a chopped top from the factory. Hudsons were amazing cars.
Amazing. A museum piece. Man, what it would be like to cruise the open highway in this!
Thanks for posting and GLWTS.
That’s not totally accurate. Pacemaker sedans do come up for sale every so often. Just usually not that original. They’re not that rare as far as Hudson’s go. You can buy mine for half that.
I have a nice 1969 AMC Ambassador SST 4 door sedan with 53xxx original miles on it and no rust or rot and very little rust on the hood. My daily driver. Will you trade your Hudson for it? 343 cubic inch
So no interior or engine pics? Amazing condition.
We just added more photos of it to the seller’s ad!
Time is after 6 PM< EST. Still don't see any interior, engine bay or more underside pics. Great looking car from the outside. Have wanted one of this generation Hudson's for a long time. But, Billings is a long way from Maryland. Pass. on this one.
Incredible find. It just about defines the term “time-capsule.” This is a car that you definitely preserve as-is; just clean/detail and enjoy. Considering it’s amazingly low mileage and condition, $14,000 seems like a great deal.
My be it has overdrive.
As long as that mouse isn’t still living in that headliner LOL.
I find it interesting that the original tires, while probably not safe, still apparently looked presentable after 70 years. That is a testament to US manufacturing quality of that time. I’ve had Asian bicycle tires recently that were literally falling apart in 5 years.
Incredible. Given it’s age, I seriously doubt you will find another this nice. The current owner seems to have done all the right things to get this car road worthy again, so the hard work is already done. I’m not disappointed in not seeing the interior; I’m sure it looks like it rolled off the showroom floor; the tiny hole in the headliner hardly counts against such a beautiful, original Hudson. The only thing I would do to change it, is add a set of coker period-correct whitewall radials. This will turn heads at any show; guaranteed.
Is that car related to “Doc Hudson”
HI: Love your 50! My dad bought me a used 53 Hornet so I could commute3 to college. Loved that car! They don’t make em like that ennymor! So much room inside! Sold it when I enlisted = wished I’d have kept it!! OH – Semper FI!!
I’ve always liked Hudson’s from this period ever since as a kid I read about the Mexican Road Race and seeing them all painted up and racing. Had to be a strong car to do that race.
I drove a Pacemaker years ago and thought it was a very smooth car. This one is very nice.
Mario Andretti and his brother Aldo used to race a Hudson Hornet at a speedway near me, back when we were kids. I remember they were super competitive even then.
I think the price is a bit low. I had a 52 Dodge with the same mileage and got 18K for it. Maybe I should buy it and flip it.
This REALLY turns my crank! I wish I was past some financial and legal issues I am having. I would buy this in a heartbeat. I feel the asking price is very reasonable. Good luck with the sale, I am jealous of whoever buys it.
How likely are the 8300 miles to be original? Seems hard to believe. Even 108300 would be low for a 70 year old car.
I had a 52 Dodge with the same documented mileage. Still was not worth a lot.
I learned to drive our new pacemaker. Ours had overdrive and was quite good.