The "Hudson" name came from Joseph L. Hudson, the founder of Hudson's department store, who provided the necessary capital and his permission for the company to be named after him. Eight Detroit businessmen formed the company on February 20, 1909 to produce an automobile which would sell for less than $1,000 U.S. (equivalent to approximately $26,000 today). One of the top "car men" and company organizer was Roy D. Chapin, Sr., a young executive who had worked with automotive pioneer Ransom E. Olds. The company quickly started production, with the first car driven out of a small factory in Detroit on July 3, 1909.

Because of early sales success a new plant was built on a 22-acre parcel at Jefferson Avenue and Conner Avenue in Detroit's Fairview section that was diagonally across from the Chalmers Automobile plant. The land was a former farm, and the new facility was designed by the firm of renowned industrial architect Albert Kahn with 223,500 square feet and opened on October 29, 1910.

Hudson had a number of firsts for the auto industry; these included dual brakes, the use of dashboard oil pressure and generator warning lights, and the first balanced crankshaft, which allowed the Hudson straight six-cylinder engine, dubbed the "Super Six" (1916), to work at a higher rotational speed while remaining smooth, developing more power for its size than lower-speed engines. The Super Six was the first engine built by Hudson. Previously Hudson had developed engine designs and then had them manufactured by Continental Motors Company.

This lovely 1918 Hudson Four-Door Limousine is recently out of an over 40-year ownership and is richly presented in burgundy on the aluminum body with black fenders and a tan interior. The long term owner suggests that this may be one of two limousines built by Hudson. Reliable sources indicate that Hudson built three different styles of limousines: the Four-Door Limousine (like this car); Four-Door Limousine Landaulet and the Four-Door Touring Limousine. Unfortunately they do not list any production number records for any of the 1918 Hudson lineup, although a total of 12,526 Hudson cars were delivered in 12 different body styles.

It is reported that despite the Hudson being repainted and reupholstered, the car remains in primarily original condition. It runs with the 289-cid, 76-hp inline Super Six engine that is paired to a three-speed manual transmission. The Hudson has recently been fitted with a rebuilt, factory correct radiator. Among the features are a driver’s sidemount spare, privacy divider window, flower vases and even the original owner’s manual.