Vehicle Description
1954 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Convertible
Designer: Frank Spring
Estimate: $50,000 - $85,000 Without Reserve
Chassis Number: 7283978
Decoded: 7=Hornet Series; 283978=Unit Sequence
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Engine: 308 cid, L-Head In-line 6-cylinder
"Twin-H" 2 X 1-barrel/170 bhp
"Dual Range" Hydramatic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
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Odometer: TBA
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Last Year of a Hudson Convertible
Outstanding Workmanship
Twin-H "Instant Action" Engine
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The Model -When Hudson introduced its "Step-Down" designs in 1948,
it was heralded as bold, new and dramatic. Slab sided styling that
some referred to as an inverted bathtub, Hudsons were good selling
cars in the late 1940's and early 1950's. And they were fast for
their day with Marshall Teague piloting Hudson Hornets over the
finish line in early NASCAR events on a regular basis. However,
sales started to decline by 1952. Despite facelifts done on a
budget, by 1954 the 1948 body had run its course. But Hudson never
let the guard down. Frank Spring breathed as much new life into
Hudson offering Twin-H dual carburetion for the "Instant Action"
engines, tuned suspensions with "Center Point" steering, airplane
like shock absorbers and several luxury appointments usually found
on top-shelf automobiles. For 1954 Hudson promised the world and
delivered as much of it as possible.�
The Car - Finding a Hudson Hornet convertible is a rare thing,
finding one that is in the stellar condition of this example can be
a once in a lifetime experience. Finished in Bristol Cream Yellow,
the interior had been done in plush red leather with a
tight-fitting tan top. The optional Twin-H dual-carb setup is the
star under the hood, with the rest of the engine bay looking as
good, if not better than the day it was put on sale. During a
recent test drive, we were amazed at the immediate acceleration
delivered from this "Instant Action" six. At a glance, this car may
seem to be cumbersome on the road, but the light touch needed to
steer and the immediate self-leveling system combine to deliver a
comfortable and controlled driving experience. It is fitted with
all the right stuff, power lift windows, original AM pushbutton
radio, heater defrost and clock, all encased in the immaculate dash
with bright chrome and easy to read gauges. This car represents the
last of the breed and one that will appreciate in historical value
in the next few years.�
