When Hudson introduced the Stepdown Design it was a breakthrough for American automobiles. The unibody construction provided a sleek outline, greater body rigidity, increased interior space and a lower center of mass than other cars of the era. These cars were known as stepdowns because the floor of the cabin was welded to the bottom side of frame rails so to enter the car one stepped over the frame and down into the car.
This restored example of the stepdown design features brilliant finishes, all new window glass, an interior with near original type fabrics and reliable mechanicals. The numbers matching straight eight flathead engine has had a recent valve job and a rebuilt clutch. The three-speed transmission has an overdrive and Drive Master, an optional feature that provides automatic clutch operation and shifting. The operating Drive Master makes this car near unique.
All lights, gauges, the original push button AM radio, electric clock and other features of the car are operational. Modern upgrades include seatbelts, turn signals, Pertronix ignition, a PVC valve, an electric fuel pump, auxiliary input for the radio, sound proofing and headlamp relays. The car is fitted with whitewall radials, 215/60 R15 front and 225/75 R15 rear.
The car was evaluated by an independent appraiser in August 2018. The condition grades of the various components of the car were determined as follows:
Engine/Engine Compartment #2-
Chassis #2-
Interior #1-
Exterior #1-
Overall Between #1- and #2+
The fair market value of the car was appraised at $42,200.
This car has been a consistent trophy winner at large and small local car shows. People all over have a strong interest in the car and love to tell stories about their memories of trips or relatives with Hudsons. Even kids like the Hudson because of their knowledge of the movie Cars and “Doc Hudson”.
Included with the car will be service manuals and a small collection of Hudson literature.
Restoration Chronology
2005 Brake master cylinder and wheel cylinders replaced. Brake hoses replaced. Dot 5 brake fluid used. Renewed gas tank and recored radiator installed. Replaced head gasket. Dropped and cleaned oil pan, inspected engine bearings. Cleaned engine cooling system and installed new water manifold gasket. Rebuilt distributor. Repaired and replaced wiring as needed. Turned rear brake drums.
2008 Installed new recast steering wheel.
2009 Carburetor rebuilt. New Monroe shock absorbers installed. New sway bar bushings installed. Keys made for trunk and glove box. Seat belts installed. New bushing installed in steering center pivot. New muffler installed. Generator rebuilt and new voltage regulator installed.
2010 Front end components removed, cleaned and painted. Trunnion shafts and wheel bearings replaced. Steering box reconditioned by Red Head of Seattle. New radial tires from Diamond Back Classics installed. Radio rebuilt by Ken’s Electronics of Eugene OR. Windshield wiper vacuum motor rebuilt by Ficken Wiper Service of NY.
2011 Seats reupholstered with Lebaron Bonney wool broadcloth pattern 15-66-1.
2012 Chrome plating of exterior trim and bumper parts. Interior and exterior stainless steel trim straightened and polished. Trunk bulkhead installed and cabin sound proofed with Second Skin Damplifier and Luxury Liner. Doors sound proofed with Second Skin Spectrum.
2013 Car painted by Ken Jordan’s Artistic Customs in Pleasant Hill OR. Interior trim, garnish moldings and dash repainted with faux woodgrain to match original
2014 Exterior trim reinstalled. New stainless steel rotating radio antenna installed.
2015 Windshield, back glass and side glass replaced. All new seals and whiskers for side glass. Carpet and door sills replaced. Door panels reupholstered. Rear pinion seal replaced. Valve job, including all new guides, and electric fuel pump installation by Charlie Wallace of Lakeside CA. New 6V Interstate battery installed. Second Skin Heat Wave insulation installed to inside of roof. Headliner installed by Armando’s Auto Upholstery of Santee CA. Sun visors were restored by LeBaron Bonney to the original pattern. Turn signals installed.
2016 Rebuilt dual action fuel pump installed. Pertonix solid state ignition installed.
2017 Clutch disc and pressure plate rebuilt by R. Fellows installed. Throw out and pilot bearing included. Transmission resealed. Motor mounts replaced. Vacuumotive and Drivemaster units rebuilt and installed. Door gaskets renewed.
2018 Rear axle bearings inspected and seals replaced. Rear U-joint replaced. Headlight relays installed. Tail light trim emblems replaced with reproduction items.
