Some finds are solid survivors, others wonderful candidates for tender lovin’ restoration. This 1951 Hudson Hornet sits somewhere in between: a labor of love by an experienced NASCAR replica enthusiast who says the car is a “huge hit at shows,” where “people ask if it ‘really’ raced?” Any prospective buyer would probably see this as a chance to continue or enhance the current owner’s vision, rather than start with a blank slate. The seller has it posted here on Facebook. Thanks to Zappenduster for the tip!
Completed as an homage to Hornets of the past, both real and fictional, this ’51 has plenty of visual appeal (enough to be oh so “Fabulous”). Hudson’s innovative “step-down” design gave the Hornet a low center of gravity that helped make it a force on early NASCAR tracks. This example celebrates that racing heritage with colorful graphics honoring stock-car legends and a nod to Pixar’s Doc Hudson (including a removable windshield cover “eyes”). There’s rust in places, but this Hornet has a presence that fresh paint alone couldn’t provide.
The builder has put considerable thought into the tribute, right down to a floor trapdoor inspired by NASCAR driver Tim Flock’s famous racing companion, Jocko Flocko, a rhesus monkey who briefly joined him on the track. He’s also put in considerable mechanical work, including a radiator recore, fuel-system service, brake work, a rebuilt clutch, and a complete tune-up. A dual-carburetor setup and Stewart-Warner gauges and tachometer add to the car’s period racing character. The seller has retained the original parts where modifications were made and kept extensive records, giving the next owner useful insight into the car and its history.
Now, with advancing age and health issues, he’s looking for someone to carry it forward. This Hornet may not satisfy someone seeking a finished show car, but for an enthusiast who appreciates the ingenuity behind a well-loved tribute, it offers something worth preserving. The next owner will inherit not just a distinctive Hudson, but the work and imagination of the person who brought it this far. After all, how often do you find a Hornet that celebrates NASCAR’s glory days and the animated character who introduced a new generation to its legend?
1st, I’d like to welcome Matthew to the group, haven’t seen the name before. You’ll find, folks are here because they want to be, and we appreciate all a writer does.
The car? Meh, again, where’s DA sander. Tributes are usually one off creations only the creator enjoys, this one is horribly incorrect. I read, Hudson never raced many convertibles, although a separate division was created from ’56 to ’59, and some into the 60s, but were banned for obvious reasons. If it is a real convertible, and looks like it is, it was incredibly rare. It was the top of the line, only 551 ’51 convertibles were sold. I would have to think it would have more appeal restored like new. Hudsons really were “Fabulous ” cars. Thanks for a great write-up.
Thank you for the kind words and welcome!
I agree that many would prefer a fully restored Hornet as opposed to this tribute, but I do hope someone takes a shine to what’s been done. I’ve passed a few “Tow Mater” send-ups on the road, and they’ve always generated enthusiasm with my kids. This one is in much better condition than any of those rusted out tow trucks, and it’s interesting to me that he’s incorporated Jocko Flocko and “Cars” into the mix. Maybe too niche a market, but I do hope some one carries it forward.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find another car that looks better than a ’51 Hudson Hornet. This one would look better in blue, though.
Named my ’51 Plymouth “Doc” due to the slight resemblance in style to this car.
Smokey Yunick of Daytona Beach was a big NASCAR engine builder. I bought 2 side- oiler 427 marine motors at his cleaning out sale almost 40 years ago.
looks like it was cut to be a convert.
I am the owner-builder. These rare cars are only original once and can be ‘restored’ if you have the time and money…I don’t at 85 with advancing PD. This is/was my 8th ‘race replica’ (5 “Fireball” Roberts, 2 Fred Lorenzen, 1 Tim Flock). No, they didn’t run Convertibles in ’51 but I did see one in a group of 13 Hudsons in a race somewhere? As previous stated “kids that know ‘Doc Hudson also love this car” ! Some of those 1st ‘CARS’ movie watchers are now 35-40 years old. I’m getting a lot of trade offers but just need the cash to help finish out my life. Tom Kitchen
Like it – the style, the color, the wheels – and it’s a Hudson!
Convertible?
When I get to my pc I’ll look ip pics and yjomgs om.thr Hudson Ivan built.
That’s the way all Hudson convertibles looked. The convertibles were made from 2 door models with a special reinforced Uni body. The header was where the roof would have been.
Hudson didn’t have the resources to design a convertible specific auto.
Howard Scruggs races a 51 Hudson Hornet from Kings Mountain NC. Lance Walker and I built 2 1951 Hinson Hornets in Concord NC including a convertible that was original