Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 127
1951 Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham Chassis no. 7A1095781
Sold for US$86,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 127
1951 Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham
1951 Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham
Chassis no. 7A1095781
Chassis no. 7A1095781
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 Drum Brakes
*Expertly restored by marque-specialists 21st Century Hudson
*Sinister Black over Maroon color combination
*Loaded with period-correct accessories and Twin H-Power induction system
*A classic and iconic piece of open top 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 Hornet Convertible Brougham emerged from Hudson's Detroit facility with its iconic step-down body in 1951. Believed to have been a California car when new, the iconic automobile made its way to Hudson expert Al Saffrahn of Maricopa, Arizona in the late 1990's. It was in 2008 sold to Mark Whalen of Fenton, Michigan, and finally bought by the previous owner - a well-known Hudson aficionado - in 2012.
It was then that this stylish convertible was carefully and thoroughly restored by Hudson expert Russell Maas of 21st Century Hudson in Heyworth, Illinois. Stripped down to bare metal, the Hornet was repainted in black with a reupholstered Maroon leather interior by Twin City Upholstery to match. Featuring maroon carpeting, correct leather-grain dash, and a new smart black convertible top protecting the new hides from the elements. The extensive bright work received similar attention, with stainless pieces brought to a high polish and re-plated chrome pieces.
Exacting work was carried out on mechanical systems of this rare Hudson. The powerful 6-cylinder engine was refurbished, and now delivers great performance thanks to its Twin-H Power intake and dual carburetors, a period correct feature, that has not been confirmed to have been on the car from new though. Hudson specialist Gus Souza was tasked with refurbishing the Dual Range Hydramatic transmission, which smoothly shifts through the gears, driving the rebuilt rear end. The suspension and braking systems were addressed as well, with new brake lines, cylinders, springs and kingpins introduced. The car's electrical systems were attended to as well, and a new wiring harness was installed. It was purchased by the current owner from Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in 2017, moving into private East Coast ownership, where it has been enjoyed in the Summer months.
All told, this classic Hudson is in wonderful condition throughout and is fitted with many desirable period accessories, including Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, a paint-matched sun visor, driver side spotlight, and Hudson's venerable Twin-H Power intake.
With low production numbers, era-defining style, and class-leading performance, the Hudson Hornet Convertible is a highly desirable automobile from one of America's greatest firms. With exceptional restoration work throughout its 208-inch footprint, this Hornet offers an excellent combination of rarity, quality, and performance in one stylish package.
Twin H-Power Carburetors
160bhp at 3,800rpm
Hydramatic Dual-Range Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Expertly restored by marque-specialists 21st Century Hudson
*Sinister Black over Maroon color combination
*Loaded with period-correct accessories and Twin H-Power induction system
*A classic and iconic piece of open top 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 Hornet Convertible Brougham emerged from Hudson's Detroit facility with its iconic step-down body in 1951. Believed to have been a California car when new, the iconic automobile made its way to Hudson expert Al Saffrahn of Maricopa, Arizona in the late 1990's. It was in 2008 sold to Mark Whalen of Fenton, Michigan, and finally bought by the previous owner - a well-known Hudson aficionado - in 2012.
It was then that this stylish convertible was carefully and thoroughly restored by Hudson expert Russell Maas of 21st Century Hudson in Heyworth, Illinois. Stripped down to bare metal, the Hornet was repainted in black with a reupholstered Maroon leather interior by Twin City Upholstery to match. Featuring maroon carpeting, correct leather-grain dash, and a new smart black convertible top protecting the new hides from the elements. The extensive bright work received similar attention, with stainless pieces brought to a high polish and re-plated chrome pieces.
Exacting work was carried out on mechanical systems of this rare Hudson. The powerful 6-cylinder engine was refurbished, and now delivers great performance thanks to its Twin-H Power intake and dual carburetors, a period correct feature, that has not been confirmed to have been on the car from new though. Hudson specialist Gus Souza was tasked with refurbishing the Dual Range Hydramatic transmission, which smoothly shifts through the gears, driving the rebuilt rear end. The suspension and braking systems were addressed as well, with new brake lines, cylinders, springs and kingpins introduced. The car's electrical systems were attended to as well, and a new wiring harness was installed. It was purchased by the current owner from Bonhams Quail Lodge auction in 2017, moving into private East Coast ownership, where it has been enjoyed in the Summer months.
All told, this classic Hudson is in wonderful condition throughout and is fitted with many desirable period accessories, including Kelsey Hayes wire wheels, a paint-matched sun visor, driver side spotlight, and Hudson's venerable Twin-H Power intake.
With low production numbers, era-defining style, and class-leading performance, the Hudson Hornet Convertible is a highly desirable automobile from one of America's greatest firms. With exceptional restoration work throughout its 208-inch footprint, this Hornet offers an excellent combination of rarity, quality, and performance in one stylish package.
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