In the early 1950s, the Hudson Hornet was the hottest thing going, at least in the eyes of the newly-formed NASCAR. Even though six-cylinder engines powered them, the Hornets won almost anything in sight – sometimes as high as 83% of the races in a single season. The seller’s edition from 1953 is more of a family sedan and is one that’s generally well-preserved. It has a few bumps and bruises but is a solid running vehicle. Located in Jacksonville, Illinois, this pre-AMC classic is available here on eBay where $7,505 is the number to beat (the reserve has already been cracked).
The Hornet was produced by Hudson Motor Car Co. from 1951 to 1954. Things changed after Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors and later Hornets would be reworks of other AMC products through 1957. They were noted for their “step down” design that somewhat resembled upside-down bathtubs. That improved aerodynamics and thus contributed to the Hornet’s success in racing. During 1953, the last full year before the merger, 27,800 Hornets were built across all body styles, including this 4-door sedan.
We’re all getting older and that’s why the seller has put this Hudson up for sale – he/she is 84 years old, and the car no longer fits his/her needs. While the listing indicates an eight-cylinder engine, shouldn’t this be a 308 cubic inch inline-6 (no under-the-hood photos are provided to settle that debate)? The engine compartment has been detailed (or so the seller says). We’re told it runs well and has an automatic transmission, a fairly new item in production autos those days. The machine sports Firestone wide whitewall tires, vintage unknown (the spare may be original).
The body and two-tone paint seem quite good, and the interior is just okay. The front seat needs to be redone (it has a cover over it). This Hudson has a “parking heater” in the front which I assume is something you use when stationary. The odometer reads 65,000 miles and we’re guessing that’s legit. If you’re into these vintage Hudsons, it may be hard to find a nicer one that hasn’t been completely restored.
Doc Hudson
Most of those old Hudson’s ( stepdown style bodies ) were junked by the late sixties . I do recall seeing some as late as 1966 still roadworthy ! Today , they are a rare sight indeed . In 1955 , after the merger with Nash or American Motors the Hudson was redesigned resembling the Nash for ’55 & ’56 ! Sales were better but by 1957 the Hudson was discontinued due to declining sales . That was another closed chapter in automobiles ! Happy Motoring !
With no engine pictures it could be a 8 cylinder Hudson engine replacing the original 6.
The last year for the Hudson 254 cid flathead straight eight was 1952. These old style “splasher” engines were offered in the Commodore models. The Hornets were only offered with the 308 cid flathead six engines. A ‘53 could have had a two barrel carb, Twin H dual one barrels or that plus the 7X racing engine.
For what it’s worth, I have a Bali Blue ’50 and have been struggling to locate replicated upholstery. Apparently, when a roll of material was used up in production, something else followed and on and on. Hence my fastidiousness is stalled by what I believe is their cost saving methodology. Every picture I’ve found shows inconsistency. Unfortunate. This ’53 will likely prove the same case if the buyer cares.
Bali Blue 504 , Try SMS in Port Orchard, Washington. They will have your fabric.
Lance, Thanks for the reply. I did send an unbleached-out swatch to SMS. They cordially replied and sent a couple samples from their stock. Indeed nice fabric, but not a really close match. Still working on it.
My buddy Dave Bonbright owned and built the “Doc Hudson” and it was used as the model for creators of the films.It was on Jay Leno’s garage and he recently soild it..Just love this Hudson..what a colour scheme.I’m betting he’d like this one..
When my grandson was little I watched all the Cars movie with him.
Begging to be a Custom. Sorry, but that’s what I see.
My aunt and uncle in Wichita Falls, Tx had one, as well as a farm. He hauled hay in it and when they pulled into a pasture the cows would gather ’round and lick the fenders, so much that it was down to bare metal in spots. Don’t know why they were trying to lick it to death!
Engine pix
Engine pixs
Engine pixs?
Hudson cool engine is desired here
Not a bad price for a very decent running Hudson with a 308 ( if it has a 308) Engine rebuild on these cars now is in the 5K -6K area.
Gorgeous car and an interesting ad on ebay. Seller recently sold a 1974 and a 2006 Corvette, so I’m guessing he’s (she’s?) not a feeble octogenarian. My Dad worked for Nash-Kelvinator at the time of the merger. He brought home a Hudson emblem for my stash of treasures – wish I still had it.
The reason Wademo sees a custom is because it already is. Not much you could do to improve it, Bid is up to $10.600,
What is the clear blue plastic shield on the hood, behind the hood ornament?
Mike, it is a bug deflector. The wind hits it and splits the air current, and the bugs from the windscreen. I haven’t seen one for well over 30 years.
Thank you, for educating me, Wayne!
Have never seen one before.
Hi,
There are some same color shades inside the headlights. I thought this was maybe some kind of aftermarket kit deisgned to avoid glaring when passing an encountering car at night.
All bugs and rash deflectors I have seen so far were much wider and located at the front of the hood. Not the same vintage though.
History lesson: NASCAR’s roots were in moving “moonshine”. Make the car (not too many “trucks” involved) go fast enough to beat the local “LEOS”, deliver the happy juice, take the payoff and be done. No legitimate manufacturers wanted to be involved in that stuff on the surface, but ALL of them wanted a cut. It is hilarious to me that all those “country boys” made the big boys’ “projects” a reality.
Hudson were never called or considered “upside down bathtubs”. That is totally false. Nash Ambassadors, Nash statesmen and Nash gamblers and even the metropolitan had that distinction. That was due to Nash’s very low cut wheel wells. That design feature was eliminated from the Nash bodied Hudson of 1955 thru 1957
If anyone is curious, the width of a front seat of a ’53 hudson between armrests is 79 inches. I know that because I’m that tall and slept flat out on the front seat of one of these about 45 years ago.
This is a beautiful car!
Thank you for the write-up