Vehicle Description
1957 Hudson Hornet Custom
Some people refuse to admit that Hudson built cars after the merger
with Nash - they claim instead that it was American Motors building
cars with Hudson nameplates. Then again, some people can't help but
love the so-called "Hashes," and those people are going to get a
kick out of this 1957 Hudson Hornet Custom four-door, decked out
with just about every contemporary styling trick that American
Motors could muster...fins? check...lotsa chrome trim?
check...tri-tone paint scheme? check...whitewalls? check.
For consignment a bag of tricks with its many features like fins,
two tone color paint, a forward swoop spear, wide whites, and a big
smile for a grille that only a mother could love. Plenty of extras
on this one, and a fairly rare bird as a mere 4,000 were sold in
1957.
Exterior
The original Mardi Gras Red has been eliminated with a restoration,
now sporting fairly straight steel, decent gaps, and a two-tone
black and white respray. From its large grinning grille complete
with Philtrum v in the upper center. This is flanked by a single
headlight on either side and centered by a snazzy Hudson badge in
another chromed V. The hood is also adorned with a large downward
facing arrow which starts on the middle of the hood and runs to the
middle of a H U D S O N badged hood front. Not to be outdone, we
note a small chrome accent above the headlight bezel in dual fin
form which serves absolutely no function other than to increase the
cost of the car! Rounded front quarters sporting a side spear which
swoops upward then heads rearward. This has a white insert panel,
which is a nice accent to the side spear. All chrome on this car is
nice, with just minute beginnings of some pitting. More chrome for
the air vent at the base of the windshield, around the windows, and
featured on the side view mirrors and door handles. The rear of
this car has...extra chrome in the form of top trimmings of a fin
that ends up into a vertical rear taillight configuration that
drops 1957 styling. Not to be left out is the Continental wide rear
bumper with encapsulated rear tire. Interestingly there is a spare
in the trunk, as well as one in the covering.
Interior
Keeping in form with the conspicuous consumption features on the
exterior, the interior could only be described as wild! With a
combination of black vinyl with white stitched diamond pattern
features as inserts to the seats, and a center panel to the door
panel. Framing these stitched beauties is red vinyl as upper and
lower panels on the doors, and orange crushed velour bolsters on
the seats. On the very bottom surrounds of the seats is also a red
vinyl wraparound. All this is very fresh, and the front seat
actually reclines if you want to really relax while cruising. A
wraparound dash front features nice screen textured aluminum on the
front dash, housing an original radio, gauge cluster, "weather eye"
and clock. Top and bottom of dash are painted black, and all in
good condition. The original steering wheel grows out from the
dash, and has the hidden starter secret, whereas you pull the tree
shifter towards you to start the car. Just be sure you have it in
park, and the switch that prevents it from starting when in gear is
no longer functioning! Black carpet floods the floor, and a nice
tight headliner is noted.
Drivetrain
Looking under the hood, you are met with a well-dressed 327ci V8,
with its block draped in orange, and gold valve covers with all the
right stickers. A nice clean engine bay is noted. It appears that
steel panels were welded into the front of the shock towers
probably for some rust remediation. An Ultramatic 3-speed with
overdrive automatic transmission is attached to the back of this
shiny mill.
Undercarriage
Covered in copious amounts of rustproofing, there are still some
remaining problems with invasive frame rust through that may lead
to structural problems if not addressed. One area has been
repaired, but still presents a problem with rust around this
repaired area. A close look at the undercarriage photos will give
you a clearer idea of what exactly is going on. Independent front
suspension and rear coil spring suspension is noted as are 4-wheel
power drum brakes.
Drive-Ability
This car starts effortlessly with that column shifter starter,
shifts smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The brakes grab very
well and take a bit to get used to. We were leary about putting it
through any exhausting paces due to the frame issues, but it gives
you a very smooth ride, and all controls appear to work, except
radio dials.
A very nice restoration on a fairly rare car, great interior, and
dripping with chrome, subscribing to the mid to late '50's GM
theory "Just put more chrome in it and people will love it". This
car plays that part very well.
Trim Tag
BODY # 6288-Kenosha, WI Body #
MODEL # 35785 2-Hornet Custom Sedan
PAINT # 1/90/72-Black, Mardi Gras Red, Frost White
TRIM # 785-Black Cloth, Grenadier Red Plain Vinyl
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
