1951 Hudson Hornet 2-Door Club Coupe

308ci Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Twin H-Power Carburetors
160bhp at 3,800rpm
Hydramatic Dual-Range Transmission
Independent Front Suspension - Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*Beautifully restored example
*Lovely Burgundy color combination
*Loaded with dazzling trim and Twin H-Power induction system
*A classic and iconic piece of Americana


THE HUDSON HORNET

Hudson was among the first of the Detroit automakers to introduce new models after World War II, and they were without question the most dramatically different of all of the new designs.

Hudson's innovation for 1948 was the "step-down" chassis with the foot wells recessed between the widened chassis rails. This was an early expression of the "unit body" concept, which merged the body and frame in a single, welded unit. The rear chassis rails passed outside the rear wheels, which was in contrast to the other American automobiles of the era. Rather, the Hudson's rear fender skirts were functional, they were not just a stylistic embellishment. The model was marketed as the step-down Hudson, and the cars were only five feet high. They were among the fastest, best handling cars around, combining Hudson's competent 6- and 8-cylinder engines with the low center of gravity and relatively light weight of the step-down design.

Hudson highlighted the 1951 model year with a new Hornet model, which empowered the already dramatic step-down design with a larger engine. At the heart of the Hornet was an evolution of the new Super Six engine which had been introduced in the step-down model in 1948, but enlarged to 308ci. The most powerful Six on the market, it was soon campaigning on the stock car tracks, rolling up six first-place finishes on the competitive NASCAR circuit.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautiful 1951 Hudson Hornet 2-Door Club Coupe was acquired by Ron and Judy Burton of Orting, Washington some decades back, from a private individual in the area who had yard full of Hudsons in need of restoration. The comprehensive restoration was carried out during the early 2000s, and Ron Burton reportedly 'touched every bolt' working six days a week for two years to complete the job. Stripped down to bare metal, this elegant Club Coupe was repainted in an elegant Burgundy color with a reupholstered Burgundy cloth and leather interior to match. The extensive bright work received similar attention, with stainless pieces brought to a high polish and re-plated chrome pieces. A fabric roof was fitted to add a little custom appearance, while a later 'souped up' 7X series engine was fitted, presumably from a 1954 Hudson. Restoration receipts are available in the history file accompanying the sale of the car.

The Burtons entered the Hudson Hornet in a few local classic car meets and won First Place in all of them. This past Summer, at one last outing for the Hudson Hornet after the Burtons had passed, the car won First Price in the 1940-1954 class at the Roseburg, Oregon Lithia's Graffiti Show n' Shine meet.

Sold on behalf of the Burton Estate, this classic Hudson is in wonderful condition throughout and is fitted with many desirable period accessories, including wire wheels and Hudson's venerable Twin-H Power intake. With era-defining style and class-leading performance, the Hudson Hornet is a highly desirable automobile from one of America's greatest firms.