Never before has an automobile manufacturer made such sweeping changes two years in a row. The 1958 Chevrolet was a pleasing design with rounded corners.
While the 1959 Chevrolet was shaped lean, with crisp new contours and beautifully restrained accents. Designed for greater roominess and comfort, engineered for greater safety, economy, ease of handling and smoothness of ride.
The 1959 Chevrolet was the last design by the famous designer Harley Earl, who helped pioneer General Motor's styling and design studio. All New All Over Again indicated one 1959 Chevy ad. Nothing's New Like Chevy's New said another. However, what was new? Chevrolet's new Slimline Design was fresh, fine and fashionable. The Roomier Body by Fisher was sound, solid and stylish. Sweeping new overhead curved windshield and bigger windows made of safety plate glass. Full coil suspension further refined for a smoother and steadier ride. Easy ratio steering reduced wheel turning efforts. Magic Mirror finish kept its shine for up to three years. Safer stopping with bigger brakes and deeper drums. And then there were the engines!
Here is how Chevrolet changed the styling of the 1959 Chevy. The dual headlights, which in 1958 were mounted above the front grille and bumper, have been lowered quite a few inches and were placed at either end of the grille. Above the grille are narrow slits that look like air intakes, but are directional lights that have been tucked into the outside corners of these slits. One outstanding feature is the enormous area of glass, front and rear. The windshield curves way up and into the roof and provides tremendous visibility.
Out back the 1959 Chevy has a spread wing treatment and cat's eye taillights. The rear license plate swivels down to reveal the gas tank filler cap.
The new '59 Chevrolet, is nearly two inches longer and wider than the '58, has picked up almost 200 more pounds of weight in the body alone. With one of the big engines and transmissions and all the accessories including air conditioning it would be no trick at all to come up with a 1959 Chevy weighing well over 4,000 lbs.
The 1959 Chevy line up was in Chevrolet dealer showrooms in October 1958. Customers rushed in to see the 1959 Chevrolet Convertible. Production figures for 1959 included 525,461 four door sedans, 281,924 two door sedans, 188,623 four door station wagons, 20,760 two door station wagons, 182,520 sport sedans, 164,901 sport coupe and 72,765 convertibles. The Del Ray and Yeoman name was dropped in 1959. See many pictures of a 1959 Chevrolet on this website.
1959 Chevrolet Models The Impala Series Impala Convertible Impala Sport Coupe 2 Door Hard Top Impala Sport Sedan 4 Door Hard Top Impala 4 Door Sedan The 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air Series Bel Air Sport Sedan 4 Door Hard Top Bel Air 2 Door Sedan Bel Air 4 Door Sedan
The 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne Series Biscayne 2 Door Sedan Biscayne 4 Door Sedan Biscayne 2 Door Utility Sedan
1959 Chevrolet Station Wagons Nomad 4 Door 6 Passenger Kingswood 4 Door 9 Passenger Parkwood 4 Door 6 Passenger Brookwood 2 Door 6 Passenger Brookwood 4 Door 6 Passenger
1950 Buick
The oversized "toothy" grille was the predominate design feature of the 1950 Buicks. The grille completely filled the grille opening and spilled out over the bumper, giving the car a "buck tooth" look. Nine large "teeth" were lined up between large round bumper guards. Buick went to a one-piece windshield in 1950. The Roadmaster side trim consisted of a spear beginning above the front wheel cutout, sweeping down to a panel in front of the rear wheel, and continuing around the rear wheel well and ending just short of the rear bumper. Other models side trim consisted of a straight spear beginning just behind the front wheel and continuing just short of the back bumper.
1950 BUICK PRODUCTION STATISTICS
Series 40 Special 4 Door Sedan 1,141 Deluxe Sedan 141,396 JetBack 4 Door Sedan 58,700 DeLuxe Jetback 4 Door Sedan 14,335 JetBack Coupe 2,500 DeLuxe JetBack Coupe 76,902 JetBack Sedanet 42,935 Series 50 Super 4 Door Sedan (series 51) 55,672 Convertible Coupe 12,259 JetBack Sedanet 10,697 4 Door wagon 2,480 Riviera Hardtop Coupe 56,030 4 Door Sedan (series 52) 114,745 Series 70 Roadmaster 4 Door Sedan 6,738 Riviera 4 Door Sedan 54,212 Riviera Hardtop Coupe 2,300 Riviera DeLuxe Hardtop Coupe 8,432 Convertible Coupe 2,964 JetBack Sedanet 2,968 4 Door Wagon 420
1948-54 Hudson:
At one time, Hudson was one of the most respected names in American automobiles, with a rich history dating back to 1910. Unlike most of the pioneer automakers, the Hudson wasn't named for the man who created the car, but for the man who financed it. The founders of this company were several veterans of the Olds Motor Works, Roy D. Chapin, Howard Coffin, George Dunham and Roscoe Jackson. Chapin and Coffin had also gained experience in other automotive adventures at Thomas and Chalmers. Having the honor of sharing his name as a new marque of automobile was Joseph Hudson, owner of the giant department store and an uncle to Jackson by marriage. Created with the idea to offer improved transportation at a reasonable cost, Hudson was successful almost from the start in serving the upper middle-class motorists of the day. Up to the start of World War II, Hudson was one of the more successful independent car makers. In the season before automobile production was halted for the duration of WWII, buyers could choose either the Super Six or the impressive Commodore Eight. When production resumed in 1946, these two series returned with models that were tastefully face-lifted. It was a seller's market in those early post-war days, but knowing customer tastes would change and that the competition was also busy with updated designs, a radical new vehicle was proposed.
Under the direction of Hudson's chief stylist Frank Spring, the first post-war design was out to revolutionize the way Americans thought about cars. Slab-side styling, a low silhouette, wide stance and tasteful use of chrome, the 1948 "Step-Down" Hudsons practically shouted "all-new". Introduced in December 1947, these new models were different than any vehicle seen on the American road since the end of the war, and they predicted the direction most all American cars would soon follow.
Almost immediately, the new Hudsons became known as the "Step-Down" models, due to their lowered floorpan allowing passengers to be cradled between the built-in side frame rails, achieved through unibody construction. In its initial year, the new post-war Hudson was marketed in two basic series, the Supers and Commodores. Under the hood, buyers had their choice of a 262 cid in-line six rated at 121 horses, or an in-line 254 cid eight with 128 hp. With a wheelbase of 124" and an overall length of 207.5", these cars were long and low. Sporting a 58.5" front tread with a 55" rear stance, they handled better than most other sedans in their class.
In that first season the Super line fielded five different models: four-door sedan, Business Coupe, six-passenger Club Coupe, two-door Brougham, and a Brougham convertible. Prices ranged from $2,069 for the small coupe to $2,836 for the convertible. The eight was offered only in the Club Coupe and Sedan for and additional $35.00
Commodore buyers, which could choose the six or eight-cylinder engine, had just three body styles to select: four-door sedan, Club coupe or Brougham convertible. Less than 115 of the latter were produced for the 1948 model year. In its first year, Hudson's new step-down models saw a total of 117,200 units roll off the assembly line--a great kick-off for a new body style.
After the success of the first year of the "step-down" models, Hudson was on it's way to even better production totals for the 1949 model year. The most notable change in the line-up was the addition of the 8-cylinder option for the Super Brougham in addition to that series' sedan and Club Coupe. Base prices actually saw a slight drop as production rose to 159,000 units.
As the 1950s dawned, Hudson decided to re-vamp its marketing tactics by offering an even less-expensive model, the new Pacemaker 500. This new step-down model sat on a shorter 119" wheelbase which took the bumper-to-bumper measurements to 201.5", while the existing models grew a little to just under 208.25". This new series was offered in the same five basic body styles as the Super with a four-door sedan, two-door Brougham, Business Coupe, Club Coupe and a convertible Brougham. The Pacemaker models could be ordered in both base and Deluxe trim. Commodores were also marketed in two trim levels, base and Custom, while the Super line was available in a single trim level
Powering the Pacemaker 500 was a new smaller in-line 232 cubic inch six with 112 horsepower and a 6.7:1 compression ratio. Both the Super and Commodore lines continued to use the same engines that had been available in the previous year.
Hudson already was considered a big and roomy family sedan with enough power to scoot around town as well as provide plenty of power for the open road. However, in 1951 Hudson brought things to a new level, and a new era for these cars was about to arrive.
Entry level Hudson buyers could order a Pacemaker Custom Six, which continued to be offered in the five basic body styles as in the previous year. For those customers ready to move up, there was the "Super Custom-Six" line, which featured five body styles: the four-door sedan, Club Coupe, two-door Brougham, the Brougham convertible, and new for 1951, the Hollywood hardtop, a model offered in all series on the 124" wheelbase. The Custom Commodore line was offered with both the six and eight, and with the same body offerings as the Super series.
An all-new series was also available for 1951, the Hornet Six. Sharing the 124" wheelbase with the Commodore and Super, this powerful car was propelled with a 308 cubic-inch L-head in-line six. With a boosted compression ratio of 7.2:1, it sported new “Twin-H” power with two Carter 2-barrel carbs, solid lifters, and a healthy 145 horsepower. Four basic body styles were available to Hornet buyers including four-door sedan, Club Coupe, convertible Brougham, and the Hollywood hardtop.
In 1951 racing circles, the “Step-down" Hudsons made most everyone else feel “Stepped-on”! Foretelling the upcoming race season, February Speed-Week saw the current "King of Speed" for U.S. cars, the Oldsmobile Rocket V8, de-throned by the new Chrysler Hemi V8. Shortly after at the Daytona 500, Marshall Teague took the checkered flag in a basically all-stock Hudson Hornet.
These racing victories weren't just by accident, they were the result of planning and guidance by M.H. Toncray, Hudson's Chief Engineer. Herb Thomas took Hudson to the victory circle on enough occasions to win the NASCAR Grand National Circuit Championship for 1951.
Despite the wins at the track, showroom traffic didn't pick up as fast as was hoped. Fighting to re-build sales after a drop in 1950 to 121,405 units, 131,915 Hudsons rolled off the assembly lines in Detroit for the 1951 model year.
The following year, 1952, Hudson presented a very minor face-lift to their cars. While the base Pacemaker series was downgraded in trim and appointments, a new more powerful and slightly larger Pacemaker Wasp package was available. Replacing the 112 hp 232 in-line six with the 127 horse 262 six, the Wasp package became a popular choice in the Hudson sales department. Effectively, the Super series was deleted, leaving the Commodore and Hornets still buzzing around the Hudson hive.
The larger Commodore line still offered at extra cost the 128-horsepower 254 cid in-line eight, while the Hornet continued to lure customers with its 145-horse, 308 cid in-line six with the Twin-H Power. To help bolster Hudson's new "Performance" image, a special catalog of engine items was issued. Buyers could select higher compression aluminum heads for the Wasp and Commodore sixes, and even the Commodore eight. In addition, the Hornet's big six could also be equipped with the Twin-H set-up employing a special manifold and dual carbs. Technically not available to the general public were several other items affecting suspension and shifting that were prepared just for those involved in racing.
But there was trouble on the horizon at Hudson. Production fell to just 70,000 units for the model year, and with that fall went profits. Another car that had presented the "bathtub" like styling of Hudson was the Nash Airflyte. This same model year, Nash was sporting all-new and updated sheet metal giving the car a fresh look, while the Hudson tried to dress up its now four-year old concept.
Further refinements in trim was about all that Hudson could afford for the 1953 step-downs, as they were joined by a new breed of Hudson, the Jet, a half-hearted attempt at producing a compact. The Jet ate up precious development money that could’ve gone to Hudson’s mainstream models.
All models sported a less-busy twin-bar grille accompanying by a simulated hood scoop. There were a few series-name swaps in 1953 as the new low-priced full-size model was now christened the Wasp. Built on the 119" wheelbase formerly used by Pacemaker, the Wasp Six used the proven 232 cid in-line six with its 112 hp at 4,000 rpm. A Super Wasp edition was also offered which upgraded both interior and exterior trim and ornamentation.
The Commodore name was also retired this year with the Hornet taking top position, still sporting its big 308 cid in-line six with power unchanged from 1952. A very special engine package marketed as the "7-X" was available for "severe usage" applications, also known as stock car racing. While Hudson was lagging in showroom action, they were still burning up the NASCAR circuit taking 22 of the 37 officially sanctioned events. However, with just 66,143 units produced, including 21,143 Jets, profits were non-existence (so much for "win on Sunday, sell on Monday!) and the company was awash in red ink. Something had to be done.
Fielding the step-down design for a seventh season, there were some notable changes for the model year. Redesigned rear quarter panels helped bring the big Hudsons into the early 1950s, but unfortunately it was 1954, and time was running out. Returning on the 119" wheelbase was the Wasp and Super Wasp series, still available in five basic body styles.
The Hornet returned with the same five body styles as the Wasp, but was still mounted on the 124" wheelbase and powered by the big 308 in-line Six. In the Spring of 1954 a budget-minded Hornet Special was released that cut-down on trim, used the Wasp's interior appointments and was in fact, a last-ditch effort to bolster sales. Even with the compact Jet, things were not going well for Hudson.
Just as a shooting star glows its brightest at the end, so did Hudson with its advanced styled Italia. This futuristic coupe was powered by a 202 cid in-line six, equipped with the Twin-H set-up. Just 27 of these unique vehicles, which had their bodywork produced by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy, were assembled.
By the end of the 1954 model year, Hudson was looking for a new partner, and found hope with the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and headed by business visionary George Romney. The Hudson name would survive for three more model years with the cars being little more than badge-engineered Nashes.
Overlooked by collectors except for previous owners who had discovered the pleasure of driving a Step-down Hudson, these cars languished on the market until the late 1980s. At that time, only the first Hollywood hardtops and Brougham convertibles were sought after with any degree of financial enthusiasm, leaving the coupes gaining mild interest and the sedans becoming parts donors.
Hudson people aren't always your typical "old-car buff", for they know their vehicles well, and often wear blinders to other makes and models. (This is typical for a number of orphan connoisseur -- they only know, and care about, their beloved marque). As a result of this attitude, a Hudson expert usually owns more than one (with some collectors owning dozens), usually deals with club members at a discount, and usually has an impressive source of original spares, even though the car was discontinued discontinued almost 50 years ago.
Prices have seen some sharp increases over the past ten years, and are far ahead of the curve when it comes to many other makes of the same era. Much of this has to do with the fact that they had lagged the market for so long, but it also reflects a growing appreciation among the mainstream hobby for these wonderful cars.
Above all, look for Twin-H power. Other important options include the hydramatic, and factory original accessories such as wire wheels, deluxe radio, power steering and power brakes. Factory trim items also boost the interest of step-down collectors.
As expected, convertibles are the ones with the most appeal, with values for the Commodore models from 1948 to 1952 generally ranging in the mid to high $40,000 range when in prime condition, and fully decked out with equipment.
Coupes have really started to take-off, with top-condition examples from all years seeing prices in the high-teens to low twenty-thousand dollar range, while the later Hollywood hardtops can go even higher. Generally the shorter wheelbase models have a slightly lower value over the full-size cars with the exception of Wasps when decked out in full performance regalia.
Loyal Following
Another thing we have found with Hudson collectors is that they enjoy finding someone new to share their hobby with. When in the market for a new collector car that comes from this era, there are several clubs and organizations out there to help you locate the vehicle of your dreams and to educate you on what's hot and what's not.
If do you take the plunge and purchase one of these well-engineered and unique looking cars, as a Hudson owner, you ‘ll be glad that you "stepped up to a step-down".
OJOJOJ, förr i tiden fanns något som hette radskrivare, journalister som fick betalt per rad. Anders Blom får alla andra radskrivare att blekna, men kul att läsa är det (jag har bara tagit mig igenom Chevrolet än på min knackiga Engelska)
6 kommentarer:
Härliga bilder på bilar men vad heter bilen på bild ett? Den skulle jag gärna vilja ha. Är tvåan samma bil fast annan årsmodell?
Tobbe vaknar igen med ett dollargrin på läpparna, kul!
Heter den inte Hornet? En sån e polisen i disneys film bilar iaf ;) (onödigt vetande)
Här kommer lite info om vilka bilar det är:
1959 Chevrolet Impala
Never before has an automobile manufacturer made such sweeping changes two years in a row. The 1958 Chevrolet was a pleasing design with rounded corners.
While the 1959 Chevrolet was shaped lean, with crisp new contours and beautifully restrained accents. Designed for greater roominess and comfort, engineered for greater safety, economy, ease of handling and smoothness of ride.
The 1959 Chevrolet was the last design by the famous designer Harley Earl, who helped pioneer General Motor's styling and design studio.
All New All Over Again indicated one 1959 Chevy ad. Nothing's New Like Chevy's New said another. However, what was new? Chevrolet's new Slimline Design was fresh, fine and fashionable. The Roomier Body by Fisher was sound, solid and stylish. Sweeping new overhead curved windshield and bigger windows made of safety plate glass. Full coil suspension further refined for a smoother and steadier ride. Easy ratio steering reduced wheel turning efforts. Magic Mirror finish kept its shine for up to three years. Safer stopping with bigger brakes and deeper drums. And then there were the engines!
Here is how Chevrolet changed the styling of the 1959 Chevy. The dual headlights, which in 1958 were mounted above the front grille and bumper, have been lowered quite a few inches and were placed at either end of the grille. Above the grille are narrow slits that look like air intakes, but are directional lights that have been tucked into the outside corners of these slits. One outstanding feature is the enormous area of glass, front and rear. The windshield curves way up and into the roof and provides tremendous visibility.
Out back the 1959 Chevy has a spread wing treatment and cat's eye taillights. The rear license plate swivels down to reveal the gas tank filler cap.
The new '59 Chevrolet, is nearly two inches longer and wider than the '58, has picked up almost 200 more pounds of weight in the body alone. With one of the big engines and transmissions and all the accessories including air conditioning it would be no trick at all to come up with a 1959 Chevy weighing well over 4,000 lbs.
The 1959 Chevy line up was in Chevrolet dealer showrooms in October 1958. Customers rushed in to see the 1959 Chevrolet Convertible. Production figures for 1959 included 525,461 four door sedans, 281,924 two door sedans, 188,623 four door station wagons, 20,760 two door station wagons, 182,520 sport sedans, 164,901 sport coupe and 72,765 convertibles. The Del Ray and Yeoman name was dropped in 1959. See many pictures of a 1959 Chevrolet on this website.
1959 Chevrolet Models The Impala Series
Impala Convertible
Impala Sport Coupe 2 Door Hard Top
Impala Sport Sedan 4 Door Hard Top
Impala 4 Door Sedan
The 1959 Chevrolet Bel Air Series
Bel Air Sport Sedan 4 Door Hard Top
Bel Air 2 Door Sedan
Bel Air 4 Door Sedan
The 1959 Chevrolet Biscayne Series
Biscayne 2 Door Sedan
Biscayne 4 Door Sedan
Biscayne 2 Door Utility Sedan
1959 Chevrolet Station Wagons
Nomad 4 Door 6 Passenger
Kingswood 4 Door 9 Passenger
Parkwood 4 Door 6 Passenger
Brookwood 2 Door 6 Passenger
Brookwood 4 Door 6 Passenger
1950 Buick
The oversized "toothy" grille was the predominate design feature of the 1950 Buicks. The grille completely filled the grille opening and spilled out over the bumper, giving the car a "buck tooth" look. Nine large "teeth" were lined up between large round bumper guards. Buick went to a one-piece windshield in 1950. The Roadmaster side trim consisted of a spear beginning above the front wheel cutout, sweeping down to a panel in front of the rear wheel, and continuing around the rear wheel well and ending just short of the rear bumper. Other models side trim consisted of a straight spear beginning just behind the front wheel and continuing just short of the back bumper.
1950 BUICK PRODUCTION STATISTICS
Series 40 Special
4 Door Sedan 1,141
Deluxe Sedan 141,396
JetBack 4 Door Sedan 58,700
DeLuxe Jetback 4 Door Sedan 14,335
JetBack Coupe 2,500
DeLuxe JetBack Coupe 76,902
JetBack Sedanet 42,935
Series 50 Super
4 Door Sedan (series 51) 55,672
Convertible Coupe 12,259
JetBack Sedanet 10,697
4 Door wagon 2,480
Riviera Hardtop Coupe 56,030
4 Door Sedan (series 52) 114,745
Series 70 Roadmaster
4 Door Sedan 6,738
Riviera 4 Door Sedan 54,212
Riviera Hardtop Coupe 2,300
Riviera DeLuxe Hardtop Coupe 8,432
Convertible Coupe 2,964
JetBack Sedanet 2,968
4 Door Wagon 420
1948-54 Hudson:
At one time, Hudson was one of the most respected names in American automobiles, with a rich history dating back to 1910. Unlike most of the pioneer automakers, the Hudson wasn't named for the man who created the car, but for the man who financed it. The founders of this company were several veterans of the Olds Motor Works, Roy D. Chapin, Howard Coffin, George Dunham and Roscoe Jackson. Chapin and Coffin had also gained experience in other automotive adventures at Thomas and Chalmers. Having the honor of sharing his name as a new marque of automobile was Joseph Hudson, owner of the giant department store and an uncle to Jackson by marriage.
Created with the idea to offer improved transportation at a reasonable cost, Hudson was successful almost from the start in serving the upper middle-class motorists of the day. Up to the start of World War II, Hudson was one of the more successful independent car makers. In the season before automobile production was halted for the duration of WWII, buyers could choose either the Super Six or the impressive Commodore Eight. When production resumed in 1946, these two series returned with models that were tastefully face-lifted. It was a seller's market in those early post-war days, but knowing customer tastes would change and that the competition was also busy with updated designs, a radical new vehicle was proposed.
Under the direction of Hudson's chief stylist Frank Spring, the first post-war design was out to revolutionize the way Americans thought about cars. Slab-side styling, a low silhouette, wide stance and tasteful use of chrome, the 1948 "Step-Down" Hudsons practically shouted "all-new". Introduced in December 1947, these new models were different than any vehicle seen on the American road since the end of the war, and they predicted the direction most all American cars would soon follow.
Almost immediately, the new Hudsons became known as the "Step-Down" models, due to their lowered floorpan allowing passengers to be cradled between the built-in side frame rails, achieved through unibody construction. In its initial year, the new post-war Hudson was marketed in two basic series, the Supers and Commodores. Under the hood, buyers had their choice of a 262 cid in-line six rated at 121 horses, or an in-line 254 cid eight with 128 hp. With a wheelbase of 124" and an overall length of 207.5", these cars were long and low. Sporting a 58.5" front tread with a 55" rear stance, they handled better than most other sedans in their class.
In that first season the Super line fielded five different models: four-door sedan, Business Coupe, six-passenger Club Coupe, two-door Brougham, and a Brougham convertible. Prices ranged from $2,069 for the small coupe to $2,836 for the convertible. The eight was offered only in the Club Coupe and Sedan for and additional $35.00
Commodore buyers, which could choose the six or eight-cylinder engine, had just three body styles to select: four-door sedan, Club coupe or Brougham convertible. Less than 115 of the latter were produced for the 1948 model year. In its first year, Hudson's new step-down models saw a total of 117,200 units roll off the assembly line--a great kick-off for a new body style.
After the success of the first year of the "step-down" models, Hudson was on it's way to even better production totals for the 1949 model year. The most notable change in the line-up was the addition of the 8-cylinder option for the Super Brougham in addition to that series' sedan and Club Coupe. Base prices actually saw a slight drop as production rose to 159,000 units.
As the 1950s dawned, Hudson decided to re-vamp its marketing tactics by offering an even less-expensive model, the new Pacemaker 500. This new step-down model sat on a shorter 119" wheelbase which took the bumper-to-bumper measurements to 201.5", while the existing models grew a little to just under 208.25". This new series was offered in the same five basic body styles as the Super with a four-door sedan, two-door Brougham, Business Coupe, Club Coupe and a convertible Brougham. The Pacemaker models could be ordered in both base and Deluxe trim. Commodores were also marketed in two trim levels, base and Custom, while the Super line was available in a single trim level
Powering the Pacemaker 500 was a new smaller in-line 232 cubic inch six with 112 horsepower and a 6.7:1 compression ratio. Both the Super and Commodore lines continued to use the same engines that had been available in the previous year.
Hudson already was considered a big and roomy family sedan with enough power to scoot around town as well as provide plenty of power for the open road. However, in 1951 Hudson brought things to a new level, and a new era for these cars was about to arrive.
Entry level Hudson buyers could order a Pacemaker Custom Six, which continued to be offered in the five basic body styles as in the previous year. For those customers ready to move up, there was the "Super Custom-Six" line, which featured five body styles: the four-door sedan, Club Coupe, two-door Brougham, the Brougham convertible, and new for 1951, the Hollywood hardtop, a model offered in all series on the 124" wheelbase. The Custom Commodore line was offered with both the six and eight, and with the same body offerings as the Super series.
An all-new series was also available for 1951, the Hornet Six. Sharing the 124" wheelbase with the Commodore and Super, this powerful car was propelled with a 308 cubic-inch L-head in-line six. With a boosted compression ratio of 7.2:1, it sported new “Twin-H” power with two Carter 2-barrel carbs, solid lifters, and a healthy 145 horsepower. Four basic body styles were available to Hornet buyers including four-door sedan, Club Coupe, convertible Brougham, and the Hollywood hardtop.
In 1951 racing circles, the “Step-down" Hudsons made most everyone else feel “Stepped-on”! Foretelling the upcoming race season, February Speed-Week saw the current "King of Speed" for U.S. cars, the Oldsmobile Rocket V8, de-throned by the new Chrysler Hemi V8. Shortly after at the Daytona 500, Marshall Teague took the checkered flag in a basically all-stock Hudson Hornet.
These racing victories weren't just by accident, they were the result of planning and guidance by M.H. Toncray, Hudson's Chief Engineer. Herb Thomas took Hudson to the victory circle on enough occasions to win the NASCAR Grand National Circuit Championship for 1951.
Despite the wins at the track, showroom traffic didn't pick up as fast as was hoped. Fighting to re-build sales after a drop in 1950 to 121,405 units, 131,915 Hudsons rolled off the assembly lines in Detroit for the 1951 model year.
The following year, 1952, Hudson presented a very minor face-lift to their cars. While the base Pacemaker series was downgraded in trim and appointments, a new more powerful and slightly larger Pacemaker Wasp package was available. Replacing the 112 hp 232 in-line six with the 127 horse 262 six, the Wasp package became a popular choice in the Hudson sales department. Effectively, the Super series was deleted, leaving the Commodore and Hornets still buzzing around the Hudson hive.
The larger Commodore line still offered at extra cost the 128-horsepower 254 cid in-line eight, while the Hornet continued to lure customers with its 145-horse, 308 cid in-line six with the Twin-H Power. To help bolster Hudson's new "Performance" image, a special catalog of engine items was issued. Buyers could select higher compression aluminum heads for the Wasp and Commodore sixes, and even the Commodore eight. In addition, the Hornet's big six could also be equipped with the Twin-H set-up employing a special manifold and dual carbs. Technically not available to the general public were several other items affecting suspension and shifting that were prepared just for those involved in racing.
But there was trouble on the horizon at Hudson. Production fell to just 70,000 units for the model year, and with that fall went profits. Another car that had presented the "bathtub" like styling of Hudson was the Nash Airflyte. This same model year, Nash was sporting all-new and updated sheet metal giving the car a fresh look, while the Hudson tried to dress up its now four-year old concept.
Further refinements in trim was about all that Hudson could afford for the 1953 step-downs, as they were joined by a new breed of Hudson, the Jet, a half-hearted attempt at producing a compact. The Jet ate up precious development money that could’ve gone to Hudson’s mainstream models.
All models sported a less-busy twin-bar grille accompanying by a simulated hood scoop. There were a few series-name swaps in 1953 as the new low-priced full-size model was now christened the Wasp. Built on the 119" wheelbase formerly used by Pacemaker, the Wasp Six used the proven 232 cid in-line six with its 112 hp at 4,000 rpm. A Super Wasp edition was also offered which upgraded both interior and exterior trim and ornamentation.
The Commodore name was also retired this year with the Hornet taking top position, still sporting its big 308 cid in-line six with power unchanged from 1952. A very special engine package marketed as the "7-X" was available for "severe usage" applications, also known as stock car racing. While Hudson was lagging in showroom action, they were still burning up the NASCAR circuit taking 22 of the 37 officially sanctioned events. However, with just 66,143 units produced, including 21,143 Jets, profits were non-existence (so much for "win on Sunday, sell on Monday!) and the company was awash in red ink. Something had to be done.
Fielding the step-down design for a seventh season, there were some notable changes for the model year. Redesigned rear quarter panels helped bring the big Hudsons into the early 1950s, but unfortunately it was 1954, and time was running out. Returning on the 119" wheelbase was the Wasp and Super Wasp series, still available in five basic body styles.
The Hornet returned with the same five body styles as the Wasp, but was still mounted on the 124" wheelbase and powered by the big 308 in-line Six. In the Spring of 1954 a budget-minded Hornet Special was released that cut-down on trim, used the Wasp's interior appointments and was in fact, a last-ditch effort to bolster sales. Even with the compact Jet, things were not going well for Hudson.
Just as a shooting star glows its brightest at the end, so did Hudson with its advanced styled Italia. This futuristic coupe was powered by a 202 cid in-line six, equipped with the Twin-H set-up. Just 27 of these unique vehicles, which had their bodywork produced by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy, were assembled.
By the end of the 1954 model year, Hudson was looking for a new partner, and found hope with the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and headed by business visionary George Romney. The Hudson name would survive for three more model years with the cars being little more than badge-engineered Nashes.
Overlooked by collectors except for previous owners who had discovered the pleasure of driving a Step-down Hudson, these cars languished on the market until the late 1980s. At that time, only the first Hollywood hardtops and Brougham convertibles were sought after with any degree of financial enthusiasm, leaving the coupes gaining mild interest and the sedans becoming parts donors.
Hudson people aren't always your typical "old-car buff", for they know their vehicles well, and often wear blinders to other makes and models. (This is typical for a number of orphan connoisseur -- they only know, and care about, their beloved marque). As a result of this attitude, a Hudson expert usually owns more than one (with some collectors owning dozens), usually deals with club members at a discount, and usually has an impressive source of original spares, even though the car was discontinued discontinued almost 50 years ago.
Prices have seen some sharp increases over the past ten years, and are far ahead of the curve when it comes to many other makes of the same era. Much of this has to do with the fact that they had lagged the market for so long, but it also reflects a growing appreciation among the mainstream hobby for these wonderful cars.
Above all, look for Twin-H power. Other important options include the hydramatic, and factory original accessories such as wire wheels, deluxe radio, power steering and power brakes. Factory trim items also boost the interest of step-down collectors.
As expected, convertibles are the ones with the most appeal, with values for the Commodore models from 1948 to 1952 generally ranging in the mid to high $40,000 range when in prime condition, and fully decked out with equipment.
Coupes have really started to take-off, with top-condition examples from all years seeing prices in the high-teens to low twenty-thousand dollar range, while the later Hollywood hardtops can go even higher. Generally the shorter wheelbase models have a slightly lower value over the full-size cars with the exception of Wasps when decked out in full performance regalia.
Loyal Following
Another thing we have found with Hudson collectors is that they enjoy finding someone new to share their hobby with. When in the market for a new collector car that comes from this era, there are several clubs and organizations out there to help you locate the vehicle of your dreams and to educate you on what's hot and what's not.
If do you take the plunge and purchase one of these well-engineered and unique looking cars, as a Hudson owner, you ‘ll be glad that you "stepped up to a step-down".
OJOJOJ, förr i tiden fanns något som hette radskrivare, journalister som fick betalt per rad. Anders Blom får alla andra radskrivare att blekna, men kul att läsa är det (jag har bara tagit mig igenom Chevrolet än på min knackiga Engelska)
Oh ja...Anders Blom, glasklart.
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