Vehicle Description
1949 Hudson Commodore Series 491 Club Coupe
When Hudson introduced the Step Down 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.
For consignment, a low slung aerodynamic bullet if you will in the
form of a 3 owner 1949 Hudson Commodore Club Coupe. Everywhere you
look there are curved lines and rounded over surfaces for this
beautifully designed car. Adorned with all the proper trimmings,
plenty of stainless moldings on the side, a big exterior metal sun
visor and of course that sleek extruded look from head to toe. Well
maintained and looking good...prepare yourself for a glorious new
kind of ride!
Exterior
Rounded steel panels are all draped in 2 tone blue paint and
looking good with the gap minding and overall condition of the
paint. However, we do note some scratches, chips, and paint pops,
but what does not appear is invasive rust! A big grille leads the
way and has a massive bumper below showing some wear and slight
scratches and marring. A bulbous hood melts seamlessly into the
front fenders which make their way rearward forming dual
aerodynamic shaped doors and corresponding curved windows just
above. A large steel visor in dark blue shades the split windscreen
and it's perfectly period correct as is the optional Hudson chrome
dressed spotlight. Accentuating the lines of this car are some
stainless trimmings on either side that lead back to a wonderful
body line that delineated the lower dark blue from the upper
lighter blue. These highlight the curves of the car as well, with a
finale in back of the rounded trunk and rear of this vehicle. On
the back is an oval for the rear glass, two large chrome bezel
taillights in shield format and a big badge for the middle of the
trunk lid. A bumper below is showing some scratching on the bumper
guards. A shout out to the wonderful design, right down to the door
handles and stainless window trimmings. Wide whites complete our
tour and wrap 15" standard blue powder coated wheels with shiny dog
dish wheel covers.
Interior
And now for something completely different, we see door panels that
have more of the two-tone blue with a marbled finish to the vinyl.
The center of the panel, in darker blue houses the door actuator
and window crank as well as the blue vinyl covered armrest. A deep
sill midway into this panel we can see a stainless pane with a
built-in ashtray. The lower and upper parts of the door is a
lighter blue vinyl panel and the windowsills are wood applique and
show with minor wear. Inside, the seating is showing more of the
marbled darker blue vinyl with light blue piping and deeply inset
buttons. In back another bench is noted matching the split front
bench perfectly. Upfront is a very nice original dash finished
above and below in a darker wood applique matching the door trim
and in the central panel is a lighter applique which compliments
the dash face splendidly. Some light wear to the finish is noted
but nothing irreparable. Typical of Hudson's theory on design, the
gauge cluster is located in the center panel, along with the radio,
another ashtray, and a clock both round and black faced with white
numerals and pointers. Nice horizontal black and chrome spears on
the outboard sides add depth to this dash, meanwhile down below is
a shiny chrome spear holding the heater knobs and ignition switch.
This amazing dash is fronted by the original steering wheel with a
burl applique horn button and dark blue spokes. A nice tight
marbled blue vinyl headliner is above and below the floors are
flooded with slightly soiled deep pile blue carpeting.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, within the unrestored engine bay sits a 262ci
L-head inline 6-cylinder engine. It is fed by a rebuilt 1-barrel
carburetor, and there is a 3-speed manual transmission on the back.
The rear axle weighs in at 4.10 for the gear ratio. Plenty of
patina and dirt abound under this hood, along with an oil bath air
filter system prior to the carburetor. Our consignor notes that a
new water pump and 160 degree thermostat was installed along with a
cooling flush and pressure test. Also, the transmission and rear
differential fluid was changed.
Undercarriage
Suspension is independent coil springs, and leaf springs and brakes
are drums all around. A perfect mix of patina, black paint and
surface rust make up this underside, but no invasive rust is noted.
A newer single stainless steel exhaust system with a Solo muffler
is now on and ends with a stainless Hudson deflector tip. Our
consignor notes that the entire brake system was gone through with
a new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, hoses, turned drums, and
relined shoes.
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 Commodore 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 step down design unibody car remaining rust free and looking good
the whole while. The paint is good with just a few spots of
blemishing, and trimmings are shiny and show some pitting and
beginnings of rust on the chrome plating. Very good condition for
this example of the 1949 Commodore and the forward-thinking
designers at Hudson.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
