1957 Hudson Hornet Custom

Some people refuse to admit that Hudson built cars after the merger with Nash – they claim instead that it was American Motors building cars with Hudson nameplates. Then again, some people can't help but love the so-called “Hashes,” and those people are going to get a kick out of this 1957 Hudson Hornet Custom four-door, decked out with just about every contemporary styling trick that American Motors could muster…fins? check…lotsa chrome trim? check…tri-tone paint scheme? check…whitewalls? check.

For consignment a bag of tricks with its many features like fins, two tone color paint, a forward swoop spear, wide whites, and a big smile for a grille that only a mother could love. Plenty of extras on this one, and a fairly rare bird as a mere 4,000 were sold in 1957.

Exterior
The original Mardi Gras Red has been eliminated with a restoration, now sporting fairly straight steel, decent gaps, and a two-tone black and white respray. From its large grinning grille complete with Philtrum v in the upper center. This is flanked by a single headlight on either side and centered by a snazzy Hudson badge in another chromed V. The hood is also adorned with a large downward facing arrow which starts on the middle of the hood and runs to the middle of a H U D S O N badged hood front. Not to be outdone, we note a small chrome accent above the headlight bezel in dual fin form which serves absolutely no function other than to increase the cost of the car! Rounded front quarters sporting a side spear which swoops upward then heads rearward. This has a white insert panel, which is a nice accent to the side spear. All chrome on this car is nice, with just minute beginnings of some pitting. More chrome for the air vent at the base of the windshield, around the windows, and featured on the side view mirrors and door handles. The rear of this car has…extra chrome in the form of top trimmings of a fin that ends up into a vertical rear taillight configuration that drops 1957 styling. Not to be left out is the Continental wide rear bumper with encapsulated rear tire. Interestingly there is a spare in the trunk, as well as one in the covering.

Interior
Keeping in form with the conspicuous consumption features on the exterior, the interior could only be described as wild! With a combination of black vinyl with white stitched diamond pattern features as inserts to the seats, and a center panel to the door panel. Framing these stitched beauties is red vinyl as upper and lower panels on the doors, and orange crushed velour bolsters on the seats. On the very bottom surrounds of the seats is also a red vinyl wraparound. All this is very fresh, and the front seat actually reclines if you want to really relax while cruising. A wraparound dash front features nice screen textured aluminum on the front dash, housing an original radio, gauge cluster, “weather eye” and clock. Top and bottom of dash are painted black, and all in good condition. The original steering wheel grows out from the dash, and has the hidden starter secret, whereas you pull the tree shifter towards you to start the car. Just be sure you have it in park, and the switch that prevents it from starting when in gear is no longer functioning! Black carpet floods the floor, and a nice tight headliner is noted.

Drivetrain
Looking under the hood, you are met with a well-dressed 327ci V8, with its block draped in orange, and gold valve covers with all the right stickers. A nice clean engine bay is noted. It appears that steel panels were welded into the front of the shock towers probably for some rust remediation. An Ultramatic 3-speed with overdrive automatic transmission is attached to the back of this shiny mill.

Undercarriage
Covered in copious amounts of rustproofing, there are still some remaining problems with invasive frame rust through that may lead to structural problems if not addressed. One area has been repaired, but still presents a problem with rust around this repaired area. A close look at the undercarriage photos will give you a clearer idea of what exactly is going on. Independent front suspension and rear coil spring suspension is noted as are 4-wheel power drum brakes.

Drive-Ability
This car starts effortlessly with that column shifter starter, shifts smoothly, and is comfortable to drive. The brakes grab very well and take a bit to get used to. We were leary about putting it through any exhausting paces due to the frame issues, but it gives you a very smooth ride, and all controls appear to work, except radio dials.

A very nice restoration on a fairly rare car, great interior, and dripping with chrome, subscribing to the mid to late '50's GM theory “Just put more chrome in it and people will love it”. This car plays that part very well.

Trim Tag
BODY # 6288-Kenosha, WI Body #
MODEL # 35785 2-Hornet Custom Sedan
PAINT # 1/90/72-Black, Mardi Gras Red, Frost White
TRIM # 785-Black Cloth, Grenadier Red Plain Vinyl

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.