Vehicle Description
*A rare and supremely stylish car-forward pickup
*Robust Hudson six-cylinder power
*Comprehensive older restoration
*Conceived by America's first female car designer, Betty
Thatcher
*Chassis no. 3851378
*212 ci L-Head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
*Single Downdraft Carter Carburetor
*103bhp at 4,000rpm
*3-Speed Manual Transmission
*Independent Front Suspension, Solid Rear Axle
*4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Betty Thatcher Oros, the first female automotive designer in the
United States, originally conceptualized the design of the Hudson
Big Boy pickup truck in 1939. The Big Boy line was known for its
elegant design and sturdy construction. It was an idea well ahead
of its time, predating the Ford Ranchero and Chevrolet El Camino by
more than a decade. A few detail changes were made in 1946 and
1947, but the fundamental design was still Thatcher's.
Like its competitors, Hudson rushed back to the market at the end
of World War II, with lightly refreshed versions of its pre-war
models in order to save on tooling. In the case of Hudson, this was
not necessarily a bad thing, as the marque had a well-deserved
reputation for quality and value. Hudson's two-model lineup
consisted of the Super Six and Commodore Eight, with a wealth of
body styles for each. On the utility side, Hudson returned with its
innovative "Hudson Cab Pickup" blending truck-like utility with
passenger car levels of comfort and convenience in a distinctly
stylish package.
This '46 Hudson Super Six Pickup is one of just a handful of known
survivors. It was acquired out of Colorado in 1994 by Texas-based
restorer and collector, Don Auerbach, who subsequently performed a
complete restoration, refinishing the Hudson with a cerulean blue
exterior, blue upholstery and a fully refurbished wood bed floor.
These rare trucks are popular with customizers, but thankfully this
one has stayed refreshingly authentic overall, with cream-colored
steel wheels, wide whitewall bias ply tires, and period-correct
detailing. Clearly a fan of this truck, Mr. Auerbach owned it until
June of 2023, when it was acquired by an enthusiastic collector of
Hudson, Kaiser, and Nash automobiles.
The restoration remains very well-preserved with an inviting
character that encourages the next owner to enjoy this unique truck
as intended. This wonderful and capable Hudson is the ideal machine
to use at the vineyard, farm, or for relaxed runs to your local
hardware store.
