Vehicle Description
1948 Hudson Super Six 481 Sedan
The Hudson Motor Car Company, often called simply Hudson Motors,
was founded in 1909. Joseph L. Hudson, owner of the renowned
Detroit department store, was the primary investor in the company,
created by eight individuals, including Roy Chapin and Howard
Coffin, former employees at Olds Motor Works. In the first year,
Hudson Motors sold 4,000 of their original four-cylinder models.
This represented the highest number of first-year-sales of any car
company to that point, and quickly earned Hudson respect in the
American auto market. Moving to a factory on the corner of
Jefferson Avenue and Conner Street in 1910, Hudson Motors sought to
differentiate itself from hundreds of other auto companies. By 1913
they released a signature new engine, the Super Six. This
six-cylinder engine offered significantly more power than the
four-cylinder configurations common at the time. It became the
power plant used in most Hudson models through 1957 and led to the
claim of "world's largest manufacturer of six-cylinder cars.". The
powerful Super Six distinguished itself in 1916, when Hudson
automobiles broke records for the first two-way transcontinental
trip and fastest climb to the top of Pikes Peak.
For consignment, a low slung curvaceous bullet if you will in the
form of a 1948 Hudson Super Six 481. 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 and around the glass. Purchased by
our consignor in 1984 and maintained and enjoyed during his tenure,
and proudly offered for your consideration..."Here's the car they
said was years away!"
Exterior
Rounded steel panels are all draped in an older respray of black
paint, however, we do note some scratches, chips, paint pops and
surface 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 split windscreen gives a great
view of the road ahead and accentuating the lines of this car is a
swooping body line along with stainless steel trimming along the
rockers and small rear wheel skirts. A finale in back of the
rounded trunk and rear of this vehicle with an oval for the rear
glass, two large chrome bezel tail lights in shield format, and a
big badge for the middle of the trunk lid. A bumper below is
showing well and 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" black wheels with shiny standard
issue Hudson wheel covers.
Interior
With a swing of the door we see door panels that are covered in
beige broadcloth and a 3 dimensional inset with a chrome mid panel
sill. These panels hold the door actuator and window crank as well
as the tan vinyl covered armrest. Minor wear and soiling is seen on
these panels but they remain intact. Inside, the seating is shown
in non original tan cord broadcloth for both the front and rear
benches. Upfront is a very nice original dash finished above and
below in a dark wood applique presents with some wear off of the
material. Typical of Hudson's theory on design, the gauge cluster
is located in the center panel, along with the radio, an ashtray,
and a clock both round and black faced with creamy 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 various bakelite knobs and the ignition
switch. This amazing dash is fronted by the original cream bakelite
steering wheel with its chrome horn ring. The original tan mohair
headliner is above and below the floors are flooded with newer
caramel brown 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.
Undercarriage
Suspension is independent coil springs, and leaf springs and
brakes, new in 2022, 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 single exhaust system is seen that will
need a new muffler and we note a new stainless steel fuel tank.
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 Super Six idles very smoothly, drives very
well, has good acceleration, and exhibits bias free braking. All
functions were working on the drive, but he did report some
looseness in the front end.
A step down design unibody car remaining rust free and looking good
the whole while. An older repaint with areas of blemishing, but the
trimmings are shiny and show some light pitting and beginnings of
rust on the chrome plating. Very good condition for this example of
the 1948 Super Six 481 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.
