Vehicle Description
1954 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe
Doc Hudson: "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left,
you'll find yourself turning right.". Lightning McQueen: "Oh,
right. That makes perfect sense. Turn right to go left. Yes, thank
you! Or should I say n thank you, because in Opposite World, maybe
that really means thank you.". In the above exchange from the movie
Cars, Doc Hudson is explaining to Lightning McQueen the effect that
dirt track drivers call drifting. Drifting occurs when the rear
wheels of the vehicle lose traction and slide around as the car
goes around a curve. With Lightning's experience on paved tracks he
has no idea what Doc is talking about.
For consignment, the last year of the purely Hudson hurrah prior to
be taken over by Nash Kelvinator. The design was somewhat
futuristic with a side view giving a glimpse of moving forward
while standing still, had an output of 200hp, and an air of class
with its use of chrome and high end features for 1954. This example
is showing in very nice condition.
Exterior
All bulbous design panels with the early "aero look" drape this all
steel car. Some design features give us hints of the big 3
manufacturers, but ultimately the car stands on its own as a unique
piece manufactured by a 4th company. We shall start upfront where
the headlights and grille are reminiscent of the Chevrolets of the
day with a single bezeled headlight on either front quarter, a
somewhat bulbous hood and open chrome encircled grille below. A
single large cloisonne badge in the grille center in red,
designates it a Hudson as does the H U D S O N badge the hood
front. A view from the side of this car is the centerfold shot as
the roofline rear glass and use of italicized spears on the sides,
fender skirts, and Cadillac styled rear quarter uppers and tail
lights add in a touch of class. All steel is rust free and painted
in Pasture Green which has been very nicely applied but not without
a few faults and flaws. On the rounded over trunk lid is also
plenty of badging with the Twin H power badge and a spaceship
styled rocket HORNET badge taking off on the passenger's side.
Below is the large chrome edge of the trunk lid along with a wide
bumper with a center protective frame for the plate and vertically
rounded over bars exaggerating the actual size. On this rear
quarters is also an additional trimming which cants rearward is
nice and wide with ribs and it starts another spear which runs back
to the back wrap around bumper. The car floats on wide white wall
tires with shiny badged moon caps in their centers covering the
wheels. Right down to the chromed side glass visors and wide rear
glass trimmings this car drips of early 50's styling.
Interior
I swing open the doors and horizontal ribbed green panels in vinyl
are running across the sills, and lowers. In the center is a dark
tan rectangular insert panel which has a sexy armrest topped in a
band of dark green and the shiny cranks. Moving inside reveals the
curvaceous seats which are in smooth green vinyl bolsters and tuck
and roll dark tan inserts. These are in an upholstered "tub" if you
will, and are like new. An overstuffed rear bench with plenty of
room for at least 3, stretches across the back. Up front the dashes
is all original and truly unique in its shape and use of materials.
A large glass panel oval with a circular bump up in its center
houses a semicircular speedo and other gauges and lights with a
clock on the driver's right. Sheridan style numerals jump out at
you on the speedo's black background. Some ribbed chrome edging
persists throughout the dash and a central radio from the factory
is installed. More horizontal trim ribbed panels are on the
remainder of the dash fronting the passenger and all the remaining
dash is in deeply painted green steel. A central heater is mounted
below the dash and floats above nice brown loop pile carpeting.
Above is a beautifully tight tan headliner. Some kudos to the trunk
which has also been carefully restored and has a covering of more
of the brown loop pile carpeting.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a fully restored and deep green painted engine
bay resides the original 308 ci inline 6 cylinder designated as a
Twin H power mill. It has dual single barrel Carter carburetors on
top, and aluminum Powerdome head is on the top of this I6. A
Hydramatic 4-speed automatic transmission powers a 4.09 rear axle.
No rust, supple wiring and hoses, and all shiny and brite under
this hood.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and some light surface rust is underneath but is
all unremarkable as to structural stability. Parts of the floor
pans and rocker insides have a new rattle can black spraying. This
futuristic rocket machine rides on independent coil sprung front
suspension, and leaf sprung rear suspension and sports power drum
brakes all around.
Drive-Ability
Just a great example and I was most anxious to climb in as it's not
everyday I get to drive a 50's Hornet. Unlike NASCAR I was not able
to turn right to go left, however the car afforded nice smooth
acceleration, snappy handling and smooth shifting. Bias free
braking for the panic stop and the interior was very comfortable.
The radio does not belt out any tunes, and the heater and clock are
also non functional.
Somewhat rare, and this was the last year for the pure Hudson in
the Hornet form. A fine example, good paint and wonderful like new
interior. An innovative company which made use of some different
materials and designs for their units, it is a rare bird from the
early days of NASCAR domination on the dirt and sand of various
tracks around the country.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
