It fell to an independent automaker to build one of America’s most advanced post-war automobiles, and it is hard to imagine today the impact that Hudson’s “Step-Down” model had upon the market when it was introduced in 1948. Wide, low, and breathtakingly streamlined, the model pioneered unit-body construction on American cars; the driver and passengers literally stepped down as they climbed inside. The result was a car that was exceptionally roomy and comfortable for an entire family, but it stood only 60 inches high and had a very low center of gravity. Handling was superb, as was the performance of top-of-the-line models, resulting in Hudsons cleaning up at NASCAR races in the early 1950s.

The basic “jelly bean” shape of the Step-Down Hudson endured for six years, until 1954, when the company merged with Nash-Kelvinator and formed American Motors. The design has become one of the most popular of its era, and because of their wonderful drivability, many of these Hudsons are still being regularly exercised on the road by their proud owners. The car has been even more immortalized in modern film, appearing as the Paul Newman-voiced “Doc Hudson” in the Pixar animated film Cars.

The desirable Commodore Six Convertible Brougham offered here was restored by a long-time Hudson enthusiast; while the restoration has mellowed over time, it remains in very nice condition, and the car would be ideal to drive and enjoy. Very highly accessorized, it is equipped with a correct maroon leather interior, bumper guards, door handle fingernail guards, dual spotlights, fog lights, back-up lights, an overdrive transmission, power windows, a power top, and even an under-dashboard tissue dispenser, as well as wide whitewall tires and chrome wire wheel covers. The Cornish Cream finish is nicely complemented by a tan cloth convertible top.

Advertising for the 1950 Hudson boasted, “Built-in brawn plus sensational beauty…that’s why Hudsons stay young so long! Hudsons are so sweeping in line…so advanced in styling and modern in design…that you naturally know they set the pace in beauty for years to come!” That claim is as true today as it was 63 years ago.