Vehicle Description
1952 Hudson Wasp
The Wasp, (Series 58), was introduced by Hudson for the 1952 model
year as an upgraded version of the Hudson Pacemaker. The Wasp was
available in two and four door sedans, convertible and a 2 door
hardtop, designated the Hollywood. The Wasp was built on Hudson's
shorter 119" wheelbase using the company's unitized, "Monobilt ''
step-down chassis design. Hudson also offered the Super Wasp with a
262ci L head inline 6. The Super Wasp was also offered with an
aluminum "Twin H" manifold and twin 2bbl carburetors. The
performance of this engine matched that of the big 2bbl 308ci in
the Hudson Hornet.
For consignment and not often seen, a 1952 Hudson Wasp. A garage
find if you will...as our consignor bought this car from the
grandson of the original owner. The grandfather had passed away and
the grandson attempted to get the car running but never could. That
was 1972, fast forward to 2017 and our cosigner purchased this car.
After a proper tune up, reconditioning of the fuel tank, cleaning
of the fuel lines, a carburetor rebuild and a once over on the
brakes, (wheel cylinders and master cylinder), this rare Wasp was
back to life. New exhaust was added, and this car was ready to show
it off 1952 style.
Exterior
Wearing what is believed to be mostly original paint, this Wasp has
its fair share of battle scars. Scratches, patina, surface rust,
touch ups, and paint flaking abounds. What does not appear is
invasive rust! Rounded steel panels are looking good and minding
their gaps nicely for being 69 years old. A bulbous hood melts into
the front fenders which make their way rearward, forming
aerodynamic doors and corresponding windows above. New for 1952 is
stainless trimmings that follow the cut line on the body and
highlight the curves of this car. Up front are the twin chrome
bezel headlights that float above the wrap around parking lights in
the outer edges of the grille. Horizontal taillights sit below the
rounded trunk. The chrome on the bumpers at both ends is showing
some pitting and corrosion along with some rust, especially on the
grille sections. A shout out to the wonderful design that has aged
gracefully.
Interior
We see door panels in their original form, having a special weave
cord upholstery with red and brown stripe and a dark brown leather
grain vinyl at the top and bottom of the panels. These panels do
show some water staining from over the years. The front doors have
H127 round emblems in the center of the upper door panels, denoting
the 127 horsepower the engine makes. Inside, the seating in front
is covered with a green cloth and vinyl protector, we did not
remove this cover so the upholstery condition on the front bench
seat is unknown. In back is another bench with door panel matching
weave cord upholstery with the same red and brown vertical striping
on the lower seat cushion. The seat cushion has a cover that
matches the front seat. A cracked and yellowed 3-spoke steering
wheel fronts a very nice survivor dash that is topped with brown
leather grain vinyl. Differing from Hudsons of the past, the gauge
cluster is located in front of the driver. Outboard in large
circles are the speedometer and a wind up clock while smaller
gauges occupy the center. A chrome radio delete panel sits in the
middle of the dash with an ash receptacle and glove box both in
chrome to the right. Down below in the center of the dash is the
heater. Rubber vinyl covers the front flooring while worn beige
carpet floods the rear floors. A tight but slightly stained mohair
headliner hangs above.
Drivetrain
Under the big round hood and within the unrestored engine bay sits
a 262ci L-headed inline 6-cylinder engine making 127 horses. It is
topped by a 2bbl carburetor that sits underneath an oil bath air
cleaner. A 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission is behind the
mill. The rear axle weighs in at a 4.09 ratio. Plenty of patina,
surface rust and grime are here but it's part of this garage finds
history.
Undercarriage
Suspension is independent coil spring in the front and leaf springs
in the rear, drum brakes are all around. Surface rust abounds on
both suspension components and the unibody sections. No invasive
rust is seen, even on the body hangers, gussets and inner rocker
panels. A testament to the integrity of the garage this car was
stored in! New exhaust snakes its way rearward and peeks out below
the rear bumper.
Drivability
My crack decoder and partner in crime took the reins for this drive
as I was out and about that day. He reported that the car fired
right off with a small twist of the key and the exhaust note was
music to his ears. This Wasp idles very smoothly, drives very well,
has good acceleration, and exhibits bias free braking. All
functions were working on the drive, and he reported an overall
pleasurable driving experience.
A well-preserved garage find. A step down design unibody car with
no invasive rust on the body or underpinnings. Paint is presentable
for a 69 year old car that was used and then stored away for 45
years. Stainless trimmings are shiny and show some pitting and
beginnings of rust on the chrome plating. Good condition and an
open palette for your liking, be it a restoration, restomod,
ratrod, or just enjoyed like it is.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 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.