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 cloisonné 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 whole package makes this car drip of early 50's styling.  

Interior
I swing open the doors and horizontal ribbed green panels in vinyl are running across the sills, and smooth lowers.  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.