You don’t run across Hudson trucks every day, which is part of what makes this 1947 example listed on Facebook Marketplace stand out. Located in Troy, Illinois, this old pickup is being offered as a running and driving project with its original inline-six engine, manual transmission, and what the seller describes as a largely complete setup. At $8,500, it feels aimed squarely at someone who appreciates unusual postwar trucks and doesn’t mind taking on a little sorting work. Thanks for the tip, T.J.!
According to the listing, the truck is powered by its original 212 cubic-inch inline-six paired with a three-speed manual transmission. The seller says it still operates on the factory 6-volt electrical system as well, which is something vintage truck enthusiasts tend to either appreciate or immediately plan to change depending on their preferences.
The ad states the Hudson fires right up and currently runs using a temporary motorcycle test fuel tank because the original fuel tank is rusted. That’s also why the seller notes the truck shouldn’t be considered road-ready at the moment. They say it will move around under its own power and can drive onto a trailer without issue, but recommend transporting it rather than attempting to drive it home.
One detail that will probably matter to anyone considering the project is the mention that the clutch and brakes are both functioning well. For a nearly 80-year-old truck that has clearly spent time parked, that’s at least a promising starting point according to the seller’s description.
The listing also mentions that the seller has all the pieces for the front bumper along with a complete set of new glass for the truck. Beyond that, the ad stays fairly straightforward and avoids making huge claims about restoration quality or condition. It’s presented honestly as an older project truck that runs, moves, and still needs work.
That honesty actually makes it easier to picture what this Hudson could become. Trucks from independent manufacturers like Hudson simply don’t show up as often as Ford, Chevrolet, or Dodge pickups from the same era. Because of that, they tend to attract buyers who enjoy owning something a little less common at local cruise nights or vintage truck gatherings.
The seller also notes the truck comes with a bill of sale only and no title, which is something potential buyers will obviously want to research based on their own state’s registration requirements. Projects like this usually appeal to a certain kind of enthusiast. Somebody who enjoys the process as much as the finished result. There’s also something refreshing about an old truck that still retains its original drivetrain and basic character instead of being immediately turned into a street rod.
Whether someone restores it, preserves it as a driver-grade survivor, or simply gets it mechanically sorted and back on the road, this Hudson already has the hard part covered: it still exists.
A bucket list car for sure. The price seems good, but timing and location aren’t too favorable. I’m sure this will get snapped up in a jiffy.
Showing some Big Boy love! A great and stylish rig in need of a real workover.
I can seriously picture this truck restored, in Dark blue, all the chrome redone. Thats what this one really deserves. All the Bondo would have to come out to see what you’re working with. But this definitely needs to be restored. They’re beautiful trucks when done right.
I can too. I thought I had a pic in my collection but will have to settle for a Terraplane pickup about 10 years older. It’s still that dark blue, well, with black fenders.
Yes, someone must have gotten a major deal on bondo. I took a restoration course some years ago now but when those guys got through with us, we would use bondo as if it cost a thousand bucks per pound.
I had just pulled the front clip off my ’47 Ford and was working it over, before the course started. I got home and immediately put the clip back on, then started following the instructions. I enrolled in the course thinking that I might correct some bad habits; I quickly found out that I didn’t have any GOOD habits…
Got bondo?
Here’s a vehicle at a cross-roads, and it doesn’t look good. Either some brat will make it into a rat rod as giant middle finger to what a great car company this was, and the hobby, for that matter, or a resto-mod with the LS , puffy interior and clown wheels thing. The author repeatedly calls it a truck, but therein lie its downfall, like all the car/pickup combos, it was a poor car, and an inadequate truck. At a time when this cost almost twice that of a pickup( almost $1500) most went with a standard pickup. This was the last year for the pickup, often called the “Big Boy”, but that name was discontinued after the war, and simply, “Hudson pickup”. Got resto-mod all over it, and you know, that’s not all bad. Like this, it doesn’t have a prayer.
I like it! $8500 seems like a good price if you can finish it yourself, driver quality paint job, drive and have fun!
While Super 6’s aren’t exactly plentiful – I am sure sourcing some fenders wouldn’t be too hard. My old man had a 47′ Super Six and that is essentially the dog house on this truck.
Coolest Grille Ever!
Probaly looked a lot better before seller started grinding and slathering on the BONDO.
I had a ’47 Hudson Club Coupe almost 60 years ago. It was loaded with every option available. Only had it long enough to get it running and Uncle Smitty (well known Hudson freak in Illinois before he died) found me a buyer. I have a soft spot in my head for these. A collector of exotic (Delahays, Rolls, and that he competes at Pebble Beach with) cars in the Reno area has one of these as his pickup truck and is seen driving it regularly.
Someone in the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane club would be the most likely buyer of this truck, but not at this price. The old timers who had all the parts to restore Hudson vehicles like this when I was in the club in the 1990’s are all dead by now. Bob Kerchner of Spring Grove, PA had a beautiful restored black Hudson pickup in his Hudson collection. I think his was a 1941 or maybe an early 1942 model before the war stopped production.
Just so happens there’s another one listed for sale on Houston FB marketplace.
God Bless America
A great project for some one who enjoys doing body work.. Depending on how thick that Bondo is, like NOT filling rust holes, This Hudson is rare enough to make a great entry into the Antique truck hobby.
A guy in Northville NY has 2 of these pickups one is a driver the other is in storage ! dont know if they are for sale !