Hudson Commodore 1949
General description :
HARDER TO FIND EVERY YEAR, 308 I6 HORNET SWAP, 3-SPEED, COLLECTOR OWNED, COOL!!
The Hudson Hornet is a legend, one ably helped by a certain animated movie, but before the Hornet, Hudson was building high-quality luxury cars like this 1949 Hudson Commodore. Originally powered by a smallish straight-8, this Commodore now sports genuine Hornet horsepower, giving you the best of both worlds: one of Hudson's most attractive cars powered by their most powerful engine.
Restored in the 1990s, this car still looks great in its handsome two-tone green paint. Subtle but sophisticated, it accentuates the long, low lines of the Commodore. Hudson's all-new 1948 models were the first to use "step down" styling, which really meant they were uni-body cars and therefore the floors didn't have to sit on top of a frame, and yes, they really are considerably lower than their competition. As a result, this cool sedan looks chopped and channeled like a custom Merc, but retains 100% original and unmodified sheetmetal. That means the doors fit well, everything seals up nicely, and it doesn't have any of those custom car hiccups that you often find. Better still, it remains instantly identifiable at a glance and anyone who knows what a Hudson is will fall in love. Anyone who doesn't know what a Hudson is will immediately want to know what it is. It's that kind of car. Nice chrome, bright stainless trim, and lots of ornamentation make this car look expensive and we can promise you'll have the only one at the next cruise-in.
Thanks to the innovative construction, there's a huge amount of space inside the Commodore's interior, making it a genuine 6-passenger automobile. Wearing proper period upholstery with button tufted seat covers, a big ivory-colored steering wheel, and a surprisingly modern dash, it feels contemporary and easy to handle from the driver's seat. The gauges are arrayed in the center of a woodgrained dash, with the speedometer on the driver's side and a clock for the passenger, and a combination of auxiliary gauges and warning lights in the middle. There's also an AM radio (not functional due to a 12-volt upgrade) and yes, that's an under-dash A/C unit that's fully operational and blows ice cold. Nice! There's a ton of space in back with lots of leg room, and even the trunk is massive enough for a full family to head out on a road trip. Fortunately, there's also a full-sized whitewall radial and jack assembly, just in case.
This Commodore originally carried a smallish 254 cubic inch straight-8, which was smooth, but during the restoration it was upgraded with a 308 cubic inch inline-6 from a later Hornet, and the difference is remarkable. The big six pumps out plenty of torque and never seems to run out of breath, which is probably why it was so formidable on the early NASCAR tracks. There are about 20,000 miles on the drivetrain, and it's nicely detailed with correct gold engine enamel, downdraft carburetor with oil bath air cleaner, and a giant radiator up front. It fires easily and really does run hard, assisted by a 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, so 60-70 MPH cruising is effortless (owner reports it'll cruise at 80+ but we'll leave that for you). Hudson's combination of ride and handling was tough to beat and you'll note the heavy-duty subframes and floors are in excellent shape. It sits on factory wheels and hubcaps with modern 235/75/15 wide whitewall radials, so it has the right look with better handling.
Hailing from long-term ownership and with an awesome pedigree that means you can drive it anywhere, this Hudson is an unusual opportunity to own a special car. Call today!
Features : Air Conditioning, AM Radio, Defrost, Cloth Interior, Heat, Front Disc Brakes
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/3748-atl/1949-hudson-commodore
1949 Hudson Commodore is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $24995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Hudson Model : Commodore Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1949 Sub type : Sedan Location : Atlanta
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Ford Thunderbird
Atlanta
Oldsmobile 88
Atlanta
Pontiac Chieftain
Atlanta
Ford F-350
Atlanta
Toyota FJ40
Atlanta
About Hudson
Buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a thrilling ride through the incredible history of Hudson, the American automaker that roared through the golden age of cars with style, innovation, and a whole lot of spirit!
Born in the USA:
Hudson was as American as apple pie and jazz music. It rolled onto the scene in the early 1900s, right when the automobile industry was hitting its stride. From the start, Hudson was all about making cars for the everyday American, and boy, did they do it with flair!
Step On It!
Hudson was known for its performance. The Terraplane, introduced in the 1930s, became a legend for its speed and reliability. It was the kind of car that could outrun anything on the road and still have room for a family picnic in the back.
Innovators Extraordinaire:
Hudson wasn't content with just being fast; they wanted to be first. They introduced the "step-down" design in the late 1940s, making their cars lower and sleeker for better handling. It was a game-changer in the automotive world and set the bar for everyone else.
Racing Legends:
Hudson wasn't just about making cars for the street; they wanted to dominate the racetrack too. They stormed into NASCAR and became legendary for their racing successes. Drivers like Marshall Teague tore up the track, making Hudson a force to be reckoned with.
The Hudson Hornet:
When we talk about Hudson, we can't forget the Hudson Hornet. It was a true icon of the 1950s, winning countless races and stealing the hearts of car enthusiasts everywhere. That sleek, low-slung design and the unmistakable hornet emblem made it an instant classic.
End of the Road:
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator in the 1950s to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). While it marked the end of the Hudson brand, its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who remember the "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" and the roaring spirit of a true American automaker.
So, there you have it, the incredible journey of Hudson, the American underdog that roared through the automotive world with style, innovation, and a whole lot of high-spirited determination. Cheers to Hudson, a name that will forever be etched in the annals of automotive history!