Hudson’s step-down cars of 1948 marked a new direction for the company, as it featured a partially unitary design that put the floor pan on the bottom of the frame rather than on the top. The low center of gravity of the step-down made for excellent handling, for which they are still revered.

“You’re face to face with tomorrow,” said the ads, “this time it’s Hudson.” Both dealers and the public were elated when the new cars debuted on December 7, 1947. The roof was low, but there was still plenty of room inside. Sales jumped nearly 50 percent over 1947, and Hudson rose from 13th to 11th place in the market.

This Hudson Commodore is a near-original car with one repaint, and it is in remarkable shape. Its original color of Quartermaster Grey metallic and its striped grey cloth interior with clear plastic seat covers are all in exceptional condition. The two-tone wood-grain dashboard is very attractive and without flaws. The odometer shows barely 27,000 miles, which are believed correct.

It is equipped with every conceivable accessory of 1948, including overdrive, a windshield visor with a traffic light prism, chrome side window visors, a tissue dispenser, a rear window wiper and window blinds, and reversing lamps. The car has the correct fender skirts and chrome hubcaps, with the latter being complemented by trim rings and wide whitewall tires, and the engine compartment is exceptionally clean and correctly detailed.

This Hudson is a veteran of more than 20 car shows, and it has taken a First Place award in every one of them. Hudson boasted, “Most Room! Best Ride! Safest!” for the step-down model. This car shows why.