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 no 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 mid restoration condition, gray primer on the rust free
exterior steel, some pitted chrome, an original interior which
needs some TLC, and a running engine. Here we go!
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 gray primer so it's an open palette kids! On the rounded over
trunk lid is also plenty of badging with the Hudson badge and below
is the large edge of the trunk lid along with a wide bumper,
slightly dulled and pitted with a center protective frame for the
plate and vertically rounded over bars exaggerating the actual
size. On the rear quarters are the holes for additional trimming
which cants rearward and we note that this car floats on some older
white wall tires with shiny badged moon caps in their centers
covering the wheels. The wholepackage makes this car dripof early
50's styling.
Interior
I swing open the doors and horizontal ribbed green panels in vinyl
are running across the sills, and smoothlowers. In the center is a
light green and white rectangular insert panel ripped on the
drivers side 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 cloth bolsters and tuck and roll
checked green and white inserts and tweed light diploid green
uppers. These are in an upholstered "tub" if you will, and are
covered with a very aged plastic covering, (not unlike your lamp
shade in the early 60's!). An overstuffed rear bench with plenty of
room for at least 3, stretches across the back and sports the
similar covered in yellowed plastic. Several trim pieces are
residing there awaiting the exterior paint to be applied. Up front
the dash 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. Our consignor states the
instruments lights up when you pull the knob for the headlights.
Sheridan style numerals jump out at you on the speedo's black
background and some ribbed chrome edging persists throughout the
dash and a central radio from the factory is installed within a
green painted dash front and top- full metal jacket. More
horizontal trim ribbed panels are on the remainder of the dash
fronting the passenger. A central heater is mounted below the dash
and floats above carpetless steel rust free floors. Above is an
aged tan mohair headliner.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in an unrestored and deep green painted engine bay
resides the original 308ci inline 6 cylinder flathead engine. It
has a single 2-barrel carburetor on top and a Hydramatic 4-speed
automatic transmission powers a 3.07 geared rear axle. Some surface
rust, dust aplenty and unrestored but in working condition.
Undercarriage
Plenty of patina and some surface rust is underneath but is all
unremarkable as to structural stability. Parts of the floor pans
and rocker insides have a heavier covering of surface rust. This
futuristic rocket machine rides on independent coil sprung front
suspension, and leaf sprung rear suspension and sports drum brakes
all around. Unfortunately the exhaust system needs to be replaced
as it is totally shot.
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
although this writer HATES plastic UGH!. The radio does not belt
out any tunes, and the heater and turn signals are also non
functional.
Somewhat rare, and this was the last year for the pure Hudson in
the Hornet form. A fine example, ready for paint, and a somewhat
preserved by that awful plastic 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. Go left
to go right fer sur!
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.
