![]( "1951 Hudson Hornet")
1951 Hudson Hornet - $18,200 - Saint Paul, MN -
Good Solid 1951 Hudson Hornet. Nice straight body.
This vehicle is in the realm of a "Drivable Dream". It has been maintained, with parts replaced as needed.
In my 8+ years of ownership, I have replaced the water pump, master brake cylinder, front end rebuild kit (king pins, tie rod ends, bushings), battery (6 volt positive ground) and installed a Pertronix electronic ignition.
This car runs and drives very nicely for a 64 year old car which has been lovingly maintained.
It has a 308 cubic inch flat head in-line 6 cylinder engine rated at 145HP and 257lb feet of torque. The wheelbase is 123" and total length is just over 208" with a weight of 3600 lbs. It has a factory 4 speed Hydramatic transmission.
The "step down" design is what made these Hudsons so fabulous with the low center of gravity and high torque flathead six. The body fits over the frame rails as opposed to siting on top of them. You step down over the frame rails to enter rather than stepping up to climb in. Parked next to other vehicles of the same vintage you can see the roof is a couple of inches lower and the windows are 11 inches in height. Folks often ask if the top has been chopped, but that is the way they came from the factory. The huge steering wheel provides leverage for the period "Armstrong" steering. I tell folks who have taken it for a drive to remember to steer early and steer often.
Accessories include twin spot lights, compass (think 1951 vintage GPS), visor, adjustable antenna, fog lights, head lamp shades, rear window blind, and the all important "passing eye" mirror. The passing eye allows you to see what is coming in the opposite lane should you get stuck behind a bus or hay wagon on a two lane road. Much safer than simply sticking your nose in the other lane.
This is a vehicle for the individual who wants to capture the feel and smell of the 1950's with a car that was top shelf in its time. The enormous back seat with huge fold down center armrest will have your passangers feeling like Miss Daisy.
Or maybe you are looking to live your own Jack Kerouac fantasy. Like Dean Moriarty said "That Hudson goes!" As recently as 2009 this car was driven 1800 miles in a single week to attend the 100th Anniversary of the Hudson Motor Car company in Detroit.
Documentation including receipts, owner's and shop manuals, Hudson advertising literature, period reviews and Hudson club glossy newletters included along with all trophies. (This isn't a "show car" but still seems to facinate folks at local shows.)
1953 Hudson Hornet - $50,000 - Chestnut Hill, MA - 1953 Hudson Hornet. 4-dr, complete frame/suspension resto, Bilstein shocks, front sway bar, fpdb, 7X style engine rebuilt dynamic balance, new s/s valves, springs, guides, Amsoil oil filter, 12v hi-voltage coil, rebuilt Hydramatic w/performance valve body, ceramic-coated header w/2.5 s/s exhaust w/balance tube; new driveshaft, rear end gears and leaf springs. Must be driven to appreciate. $50,000 obo. John J Perenyi, 508-586-5109 days or 617-327-4150, MA.
