Chassis no. 492139945

308-cid, 160-hp L-head inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 124-inches

Hudson’s Step-down cars for 1948 marked a new direction for the company. A partially unitary design, it put the floor pan on the bottom of the frame rather than the top. One would step down to enter a Hudson, and it was truly unique in that respect.

Also new was a six-cylinder engine with pressure lubrication, although the splash-lubed eight remained available. In 1951, the famed Hornet model appeared, with a 308-cid version of the new six, optional “Twin H-Power” dual carburetion and available Hydra-Matic.

This 1949 Commodore Brougham Convertible has been modestly upgraded with a Twin H-Power Hornet 308 engine and modern 700R4 Hydra-Matic transmission. Equipped with power windows and power top, it has modern power steering, windshield visor, radio with header antenna, clock, tissue dispenser and directional signals. Door spotlight mirrors and curb feelers complete the 1950s touch.

Upholstery is maroon leather, and gray carpet lines the floor. Contours, paint and brightwork are all excellent and show quite well throughout. Had this engine and transmission been available in 1949, no doubt Hudson would have built the car exactly this way.