Hudson automobiles remain highly regarded for their advancements in automotive design, particularly the innovative “Step Down” design, introduced on the 1948 Commodore. Unlike traditional body-on-frame construction, which forced passengers to climb up to enter their vehicles, Hudson designers placed the entire passenger compartment down inside the chassis, surrounded by a sturdy perimeter frame. This positioned the car at a lower center of gravity, enabling it to handle exceptionally well.

Hudson recognized the marketing value of racing, and engineers including Vince Piggins developed a line of “severe usage parts” which transformed the robust Hornet into the definitive stock car of the early 1950s. A lineup of drivers including Dick Rathmann, Tim Flock, Jack McGrath, Frank Mundy and Lou Figaro accumulated 13 racing wins in 1951, 49 in 1952 and 46 in 1953 in “The Fabulous Hudson Hornet”. No other car of the time could match the Hudson’s bulletproof construction, good handling and factory support.

One of only 500 produced in 1951, the two-door convertible has beautiful concave lines that lead to a round rear end that looks complete from behind. The well-known car is powered by none other than the respected Hudson inline six-cylinder engine. This particular Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham has been restored from the ground-up and has been described in terms such as “a piece of jewelry.” The exterior is finished in show-quality Cornish Cream with flawless chrome and stainless steel trim. The interior is finished in maroon leather upholstery, with the correct waffle-pattern door inserts, and it is complemented by a tan stay-fast power convertible top. The floor is of a matching red carpet.

Several desirable options adorn this magnificent example, including radio, heater, power windows, driver- and passenger-side pillar-mounted spotlights, fender skirts, bias-ply wide whitewalls with factory full wheel covers. The expensive restoration this car received was certainly worthy for such an exceptional automobile. The 1951 Hudson Hornet is an unforgettable racing legend, and a must have for any serious collector of American automobiles.