There’s a lot going on here with this 1947 Hudson Commodore. Yeah, it looks like a project but a lot of the complex stuff has already been completed. Interestingly, it’s a convertible with a removable hardtop – how unusual! But wait, there’s more! This one is sporting a very un-Hudson-like powertrain – and it spans more than one manufacturer. Considered a project that can be driven right now, this fallen flag is located in Portland, Oregon and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $19,500 with one bid tendered so far. T.J. gets the nod for this most unusual find!
When one thinks of Hudson, it’s often the blimpo-looking Hornet that comes to mind but this Commodore and its subordinate enlisted version, simply known as the “Super Series”, predates that Dick Tracy look. Hudson wasn’t exactly killing it in ’47, they knocked out about 92K copies (11th place) between the two models. As for convertibles, only 1,800 turn up from various research sources employed.
From a solidity perspective, our subject doesn’t look too bad. The seller states, “A lot of repair work was done to the original body, and custom work done to make the removable hardtop“. Yes, and that seems to be evident. The whole removable hardtop concept is thought-provoking – as in why? But regardless, it seems well executed. Also mentioned is the inclusion of the convertible top bows and interior images do bear that out. The extensive trim appears to be present and it doesn’t look half bad. I would suggest that this Hudson isn’t too far away from being ready for a date with the paint booth.
The Commodore was available with either a 102 HP, 212 CI in-line six-cylinder engine or a 128 HP straight-eight displacing 254 cubic inches – which edition this Commodore was originally blessed with is not stated. Anyway, forget about that, this baby is now packing a Chrysler 354 CI “Hemi” V8 attached to a GM 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission which in turn is driving a 4.56 rear gear set. Operational prowess is not disclosed but it is said, as previously mentioned, that it does run. While the suspension is stock, all of the brake components have been replaced and an aluminum radiator added.
Another interesting facet is found inside where we’re told that the dash is from a ’49 Hudson. Beyond that, the interior will require a complete makeover as the upholstery and door panels are in original and highly worn condition. As near as can be told, the rear seat isn’t in the picture any longer.
So, this isn’t exactly a mid-stream project abandonment, the kind that is usually not recommended to pursue. Nope, a lot of the heavy lifting has already been done here – just cruise the listing images and you’ll get a feel for the extensive skill and effort that has been bestowed upon this car. Speaking of heavy lifting, can you imagine what it must take to huff that roof into and out of place?
In 1954, my step father purchased a 47 Super Eight and crowded 6 boys in the back seat with he, my mom, and my little sister sat up front. We were crowded, but he was pleased as punch with the car. However, 3 months later, he wrecked it (he usually screwed cars up one way or another). I liked the car, but not when all 6 of us boys had to sit in the back.
I think this could be just about the coolest custom ever! I love the look and the proportions. The Dick Tracey comment kind of nails it. The builder seems to have a lot of Hudson’s. In a perfect world I would have a butt load of money and I would throw it all at the seller and see if he might take it a little farther or maybe even to the finish. For me it checks all the boxes. Until you really look and study it, you don’t realize how much has been changed. That is a big deal for a custom. Anybody can throw stuff at the wall and make it stick, but when it looks like it should be there , that is true art. I love it.
An inspired effort.
But why expend the effort on a homely Hudson ?
“Eye of the beholder”
Homely Hudson? Wash your mouth out. There’s nothing that even comes a close second.
I saw an article on this car several years ago, from memory it started life as a coupe.
I’m sure you’d have to have a overhead crane to lift that top on and off. Overhead cranes are quite cool. When I worked at the Boeing 747 plant they had a overhead crane that could move anywhere in the building they needed it. I rode on huge I-beams that allowed the crane to move in any direction. As far as this Hudson is concerned the first thing I would do is get that top off and leave it off only driving this car on nice sunny days. I’m trying to think of what color I would paint it, I don’t think I would go with period correct paint , maybe Candy apple green or a certain shade of deep blue. I’d definitely replace that low geared rear end with a Ford 9″ with much higher gears for that V8 engine to relax with for cruising and still have tire smoking take offs if so desired.
God Bless America
It always makes me wonder why, after so much work (in this case, bastardization) has been done does someone drop a project like this. Has he lost interest or has he got it hopelessly screwed up.
Absolutley. This could be a drop dead georgous hot rod if finished right. Love the start. Could really get into finishing this car. Like the proportions on this one and the removeable hardtop was a very good touch. Much luck to the next owner. Would like to see the finished product.
Yank the hemi out and put it in something cool. Sell the rest to someone with vision problems.
What’s cooler than a Hemi?????
I would use that top as a plug and make one from carbon fibre or at least fiberglass to make the wieght tolerable. Block and tackle in the garage and…well… ‘Bob’s yer uncle?’
Im curious. How do you hook up a 700R4 trans to a hemi??
easy peasy just add one mail order adapter plate
Leave the top on – new interior, 9 inch rear with 356 gears – paint the main body maroon with the top and below the side chrome strip painted gold, two tone paint job or paint the whole car black cherry gloss and drive. Awesome !!!
I think it’s a fantastic, period correct swap. You know, all we hear is “Hudson Twin H” power, and yes, it did turn the flattie into a great performer, but to many of us, we never saw a Hudson, much less a Twin H. The Hudsons we saw were old, smoking relics, that nobody wanted, racing aside. To have a 354 hemi and a modern automatic, turns this car into the most unusual sleeper. Raw power aside, I bet it makes this car right at home today and what should be done with all these anemic, adequate for the time, classics. When I see that front, I immediately think of the “Big Boy” pickup, even though, after the war, I think they dropped that name. Cool find.
Now, is it too much to ask to paint the dang thing? Yes,,yes it is, and here’s why. My neighbor has a Honda CRV she wanted a little “touch up” paint. The only one that offered a color matched spray can, 8 oz. mind you, was NAPA and had to special order it, cost? $32.10. Now who in their right mind is going to buy that? Naturally I told them where to stick it, the counter person looked at me like I was from Mars. Can you imagine what TWO GALLONS, primer, thinner, sandpaper and a reasonable paint gun and compressor cost today? And that’s the way it is,,,
howard a, you might want to sit down for this and have your nitro pills handy.
i just ordered in the next gallon of clear with hardener and reducer for six quarts of sprayable material, my shop cost… $778
so yes just finish the paint might be too much to ask
I keep going back to look at this car – it’s kewl – it would be the only one at any car show – most people wouldn’t know what it is. I would love to drive it to a show.
you and me both bobdog, though i STILL need to find that 40 acre lot with 10 acre garage first
Latex house paint. Looks way better than it sounds. Cost effective too.
Yup! A great way to ruin an old car! Adding the necessity to strip it it before properly restoring or using it as is!
And the best thing about house paint, you don’t have to monkey around with a compressor and spray gun, you just park the car under a shade tree and brush it on! No masking necessary if you have a steady hand. Let the kids have a go at it while you take a nap on the porch!