Vehicle Description
The Hudson Motor Car Company is one of a scant few independent car
manufacturers that managed to survive both the economic disaster of
the Great Depression and the production moratorium of World War II.
Since its inception in 1909, Hudson's range of thoughtfully
engineered, high-quality mid-priced cars earned the company a
fiercely loyal client base that sustained them through difficult
times. As Ford, GM, and Chrysler grew, consolidating their holds on
the market, independent manufacturers like Hudson, Studebaker, and
Nash felt the squeeze and had to do everything they could to stand
out in a crowded market.
Just as virtually every other manufacturer had done, Hudson rushed
back to the market in 1946 with a hastily facelifted version of
their prewar offering. By the 1948 model year, Hudson revealed a
revolutionary new post-war design, well ahead of Ford and GM. Based
on an entirely new platform, the fresh new Hudson Super
Six/Commodore featured advanced unibody construction, gorgeous
styling, and specially tuned suspension to optimize handling. Frank
Spring's clean and aerodynamic slab-sided design was light years
ahead of a contemporary Ford, Chevrolet or Studebaker. The Hudson
was unlike anything else on the road; sleek and unadorned, with
graceful lines and a low, wide stance. Hudson achieved a
comparatively low ride height through the trademarked "Monobuilt"
construction, which incorporated a perimeter frame into the body
shell. The design allowed designers to lower the floors, which
earned the car the "step-down" nickname. Light and robust, the
Hudson Commodore offered superior comfort compared to nearly every
vehicle in its class.
Hudson's line of proven L-head inline six-cylinder and
eight-cylinder engines carried over with revisions for the new
Commodore. Powerful and virtually bulletproof, these were the
engines of choice in the early days of Grand National Stock Car
racing in the south. The low center of gravity and low weight gave
the cars exceptional performance and handling, and few sedans could
touch them on the track or the road. Step-Down Hudsons were well
ahead of their time, and they have earned a proud standing as a
post-war design icon.
This 1949 Commodore Six sedan is one of the finest restored
Step-Down Hudsons we have ever encountered. According to the
previous owner, this car belonged to a long-time Hudson Club member
out of Tennessee who enjoyed the car since the 1970s. Thanks to
years of maintenance and care, the Commodore was in remarkably
solid and original condition when it found its next and most recent
owner. Shortly after acquiring it, the new owner commissioned
Penn-Dutch Restorations to perform an exhaustive, no-expense-spared
restoration, finished to a standard seldom seen on four-door
Hudsons of this era. Finished in classic black over a gray
broadcloth and leather interior, this outstanding Hudson displays
high levels of fit and finish quality. Body alignment is excellent,
with superb straight panels and gorgeous paintwork. All body
fittings and trim are exceptional, with concours-quality plating on
the bumpers, grilles, and moldings.
The Commodore Six was a step up from the Super Six in terms of
luxury and equipment. This car is finished true to factory
standards of the period, with gray broadcloth panels and
leather-upholstered seats, which was an available factory option on
the upscale Commodore. For a mid-priced car, the Commodore is quite
luxurious, offering generous seats, built-in rear footrests, and
extensive woodgrain trim on the dash and door caps. Rear passengers
also enjoy a fold-down armrest and opening rear quarter-lights.
This car includes a factory original radio, heater, and even a
chrome tissue dispenser under the dash. The column shift 3-speed
manual gearbox allows for three-wide seating in the front, with
generous legroom for all passengers. Thanks to the rigid structure
and well-tuned suspension, the Commodore is a delight to drive,
with exceptional comfort and refinement for its class.
The high-quality detailing continues under the hood, with the
original 262 cubic inch inline-six presenting in fine order with
excellent paint, correct fittings and hardware, and period-correct
decals and labels. As part of the restoration, the numbers-matching
engine received a full teardown and rebuild to factory specs. The
undercarriage is well-detailed and shows some signs of light use on
the road while remaining very clean and orderly. The goal of the
restoration was to have a car that performs as well as it looks, so
no detail was overlooked in the process.
Following the restoration, this Hudson rightfully earned both AACA
Junior and Senior awards and has received warm receptions at Hudson
club events. This Commodore would no doubt be a welcome addition to
any concours event, as we rarely see sedans so exquisitely
restored. The sale of this Hudson Commodore represents a rare
opportunity to acquire an icon of post-war American design, needing
virtually nothing to enjoy for road or show.
Offers welcome and Trades Considered
