Hudson’s “step-down” cars of 1948 marked an exciting new direction for the company, as customers literally stepped down into the cabin of a sleek and futuristic-looking, slab-sided body that rode lower to the ground than any competitor. This innovative unibody construction featured a partially unitary design that lowered the floor pan to the bottom of the frame. In a radical departure from other contemporary chassis designs, the Hudson’s frame rails passed outboard of the rear wheels, thereby producing a tank-like structure that enveloped passengers and lowered the center of gravity, which aided safety and performance alike, as NASCAR racers would soon discover. This marked the first time that an American-made production automobile used step-down engineering, and today these Hudson models are revered for their class-leading handling, comfort, safety, and torpedo-like styling.

Also new for 1948 was a 262 cubic-inch pressure-lubricated inline six-cylinder engine rated at 119 horsepower. Paired with Hudson’s signature Drive-Master automatic transmission, the 1948 and 1949 Commodore and Super Six models were transformed—practically overnight—from underpowered and cramped also-rans into smooth, sleek, roomy, and capable automobiles that significantly increased sales in 1949.

This stunning and notably original Commodore Six Sedan was purchased new on 1 November 1949 from Lanson Brothers Garage in Wallingford, Connecticut. It was equipped, as it remains today, with nearly every conceivable option for the model year, including a KarVisor windshield sun visor, radio, radiator grill guard, hill-holder, chrome side-window visors, Weather Control heating and ventilation system, rear window wiper and Venetian blind, dual side-view mirrors, fog lamps, and reversing lamps. Simply put, this Hudson is truly optioned to the gills with 29 pieces of factory accessories.

Its attractive Ebony Black over tartan broadcloth color combination is further enriched by a set of correct-for-1949 fender skirts and chrome wheel covers, with the latter being complemented by trim rings and wide whitewall tires. Furthermore, this Commodore’s engine compartment remains exceptionally clean and correctly detailed. Documentation on file shows that this Hudson remained within the same Connecticut family from 1977 until May 2021, when purchased by noted collector Conrad Fletcher of Parker, Arizona.

Now offered from the Fletcher estate, this exceptionally original “step-down” Hudson offers a compelling combination of advanced styling, comfort, safety, and performance unrivaled by any other American manufacturer at that time.