Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Ran When Parked: 1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible

 

Time is a fascinating yet scary thing. We can often wish for time to pass quickly, or for many of us we wish that time would slow down. But either way you cut it, time can slip away quicker than you realize. Parked 5 years ago, this Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham was a driver, but as we all know, time flies even when you aren’t having fun. Appearing to be in very nice shape, this Hudson is loosely described as being original.  With 2 days remaining, this sleek convertible has been bid up to $26,000. Check it out here on ebay out of Reno, Nevada.

The sight that we all desire to see in a Hudson is the “Twin H-Power” carb set up, like the one seen on this convertible. The exterior appearance of the fuel system is quite clean, but it is what’s on the inside that counts. The carbs and fuel system will need to be cleaned and have fresh fuel pumped up to the float bowls. There is a fair amount of dust in the engine bay, but there is little rust to be seen. The block is painted red, but the paint looks burned or worn on the driver side of the engine. Also there is a “homemade” jumper wire that you can see on the driver inner fender. Hopefully the water pump isn’t seized, and also hopefully the engine can be lubricated and carefully brought back to life by the next owner.

Almost like looking into the cockpit of a mahogany speed boat, this Hudson is beautiful. One thing that does stand out is that it appears that the passenger side door panel is not currently installed, or that the upper chrome trim is missing. There appears to be some dust from sitting, and it would seem the top was left down for the years spent parked. Currently down, the tops lift motor is not functional needing a rebuild.  A solid dusting, cleaning and detailing would leave a very nice interior assuming the passenger door panel is with the car.

Described as being “Original”, it is hard to make an assumption with the multiple layers of dust. The chrome trim is quite shiny, and there is no rust in sight. Looking in the trunk will reveal a rock solid trunk floor with no concerns. Being a ’53, this Hornet has a different grill from the earlier Hornets, and a faux hood scoop hood ornament. Despite its hibernation, it would appear that this Hudson could be revived with a few weekends worth of work. What do you think this Hornet will sell for?

Comments

  1. Avatar Andy

    You don’t see nearly enough Hudsons anymore, and this is a beauty.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Dave Wright

    That is a beauty…….The sedans dominated the race track in there day…….this one is really tempting.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar bill nelson

    My dad was a Hudson junkie. I grew up with a 26-27 Essex sitting in the yard, and in 52, my dad outran a “new” ford with his 33 Hudson Terriplane “8”, flathead.

    Like 1
  4. Avatar txchief

    “The guy I bought it from swears it was running when his grandfather had it.” It is a sweet car though.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Madmatt

    “I’am in love” I’am married,but id take her out anytime!
    What a gorgeous beauty she is,give her a nice warm bath,
    and take her out to dinner,then maybe back to my place,
    for some more luvin……

    Like 0
    • Avatar Rodney

      ….get a room. (I mean barn).

      Like 1
    • Avatar Al

      Why go back to your place?

      From armrest to armrest it is 76 inches.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Rodney

        “Whoa…..what type of car do you think I am? I am not some cheap sedan with my backdoors always open…”

        Like 0
  6. Avatar jimbunte Member

    A beautiful car! I hope it goes to a loving home. (Pretty sure it will!)

    Like 0
  7. Avatar JimmyinTEXAS

    Got to agree with Andy, not nearly Hudsons on the road. This is a beauty. I hope it sells well and spends many more years on the road. I question originality as it looks to have been repainted.
    Currently bidding at 26K, almost 2 days left, it may go for more. Great car.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Dave Wright

      Hudson’s were under appreciated until the movie Cars came out. They enjoyed a lot of quick interest and appreciation after that but it has subsided again to a point. The only one I really get interested in is the Hornet, this car is over the top.

      Like 0
  8. Avatar James Burdzinski

    SWEET! TWIN H. I better check to see of one of my Collector clients snached it up yet. LoL. Driving Miseum has one .

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Ralph Terhune

    Shades of ‘The Two Jakes’!

    Like 0
  10. Avatar 86 Vette Convertible

    I like, nuff said

    Like 0
  11. HoA Rube Goldberg Member

    Wonder if it was shiny when parked? I just don’t understand why some insist on thinking dusty cars bring more interest. You don’t see dusty, dirty cars at auction or car lots. Especially something as rare as this. What do you think, look a bit better?
    http://1nova.com/wallpapers/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2014/11/231-Hudson-Hornet.jpg

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Jochim Stroesner

    I saw one for sale at R&R Classics in mint condition go for $100,000 CDN.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar duaney

    Owner must have had a heart attack and died to have left the top down and interior exposed like that. Wonder what the story is?

    Like 0
  14. Avatar Bob Barit

    That car really brought back memories. My grandfather was President for the second half of the existence of the Hudson Motor Car Company, and my dad was vice president. My dad got a new Hudson Hornet each year as a company car, and the 53 was the second to the last. This was exactly the same as his car, and might even have been his! Hudsonly, Bob Barit

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

      Bob –
      Your Grandfather was Ed Barit? WOW! What I would have done to be a member of your family and hear all about what went on at the company at the family dinner table! I’ll bet you’ve got some incredible family photos with lots of Hudsons in them, as well as plenty of special Hudson memorabilia pieces.

      Like 0
    • HoA Rube Goldberg Member

      That’s pretty cool Bob, you never know who is listening in. I wonder if there’s any way of knowing for sure, if this was your dad’s. Once, on another well known blog, we were talking about Ford designs of the early 60’s, when who chimes in, Howard Payne ( yes, THAT Howard Payne) retired Ford designer. That was quite an honor.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Bob Barit

        Yes, I sure do have a lot of information, memories, and memorabilia. I have spoken at the national meets, such as Gettysburg Pennsylvania and the Hudson featured show in Macungie Pennsylvania a few years ago. It is quite a quite an honor to have relatives such as they were! I just sent the plaster model of the 51 Hornet that was sent from the design Department to the executives for future model approval, to the Hudson national museum in Ypsilanti Michigan. It should be on display shortly, with a ton of Honor other memorabilia. It resided in my grandfather’s office during the early 50s.Strongly suggest you check it out when you can!
        Bob Barit

        Like 0
    • Avatar David Williams

      Bob, This convertible may have been owned by your Aunt June. One time, she mentioned to my brother that she once owned a red Hudson convertible.

      Like 0
  15. Avatar Maestro1

    Hudson Convertibles have strong upside market values. This would be a great addition to anyone’s collection or as a single. Buy it and do what it needs. Then enjoy.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Tony, Australia.

      If anyone’s ever wondered why the header bar above the windshield of Hudson convertibles was so thick, it’s because they NEVER built a convertible, if a customer ordered one the factory used a 2 door and cut the roof off, check it out when and if you see one, there’s not many around.

      Like 0
  16. Avatar Wayne

    Check out the rust and overspray around the ID tag on the door jamb. The grille is no different from any year Hornet except the two angled vertical bars are deleted. I love Hudsons, I served my apprenticeship at a Hudson AMC dealer. Love the marque.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Wayne

    If this is the same car that I have seen in the past. ( I live in the Reno area)
    It is a truly wonderful car. Uncle Smitty tried to raise me as a Hudsoner. And I have many miles under my belt in a Hudson. ( even got stopped for 125 in my uncles hot rod Hornet. Told the cop that I was speeding. But he needed to get his radar fixed as there was no way this old Hudson would go that fast. He let us go. The car has the NASCAR “X” head, twin H, overdrive with a standard rear diff. ( not the steep geared overdrive rear diff))
    I have a very soft spot in my head and heart for Hudsons. And I would love to own this one.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Al

      I know the feeling, I was clocked at 149 mph and had the same cop I guess.
      It wasn’t a Hornet, it was (and still is) a ’70 Olds 442.

      Like 0
  18. Avatar BOP Guy Member

    This is a real beauty! Love it, want it 😎

    Like 0
  19. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    Tony – Hudson built these convertibles in the factory along the same assembly line as the other body types. They were not cut down coupes. [What Hudson called the Brougham.] The rear fenders, the panel between the top well and the trunk lid, are all convertible parts only.

    The main reason for the thick header panel is because the body is unitary construction, and the extra metal was needed to help keep the body from twisting and popping out or cracking windshields.

    Like 1
  20. Avatar ELMER TURNER

    I read that the convertable top is not working , But thats no excuse to purchase a large tarp and secure it over the car during storage. It never ceasus to amaze me when people do not block non running classic cars off the ground and either spray M-1 rust preventative over the car and/ or cover with a tarp. It would help prevent rust from destroying the car and make restoration so much easier. Its should be a no brainer to do this.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Mountainwoodie

      My first thought. I just dont understand folks.

      Like 0
  21. Avatar Carl

    Maybe I got lucky with my “ran when parked”. Did fresh fluids, marvel mystery oil, new plugs and wires and rebuilt carb. Started my 37 Cadillac right up, no smoking or knocks it sat since ’76

    Like 0
  22. Avatar leiniedude Member

    Ended: Nov 23, 2017 , 10:18AM
    Winning bid:US $36,100.00
    [ 55 bids ]

    Like 0
  23. Avatar Fred

    Would love to know who bought it. It looks like a car I owned many years ago.

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to Al Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.