Highlights

Restored in the USA before being imported to the UK
Converted to a 12v electrical system
Recently serviced with a refurbished carburettor
Original interior in very good condition

The Appeal

Hudson is rightfully recognised as one of the great pioneers of American motoring - and a lot of that comes from its Step-down design. Rather than level with the door sills, these beautifully styled cars had their cabin recessed so the floor was levelled with the bottom of the frame rails. It didn't only make their products wider, but offered a much lower level of gravity, which improved handling by quite some way.

First premiered with their 1948 Commodore, it was the Hornet that really made use of this innovation - and ended up becoming the stuff of legend. Powered by their straight-six Powerdome, these proved to be wolves in sheep's clothing. Surprisingly nimble, easy to handle, and beautifully styled - it was an incredibly potent, evocative car.

Sadly, its unique body was expensive to restyle - and, unwilling to bow to the laws of planned obsolesce by its more unscrupulous competition, that styling we love so much today became the Hornet's downfall. Now, it's perhaps one of the most rightfully prized cars to come from mid-century Detroit, and is rapidly being picked up by enthusiasts - especially in markets where it's a particularly scarce sight.

This fine car comes to us in excellent health, having been subject to an electrical conversion and a recent service. We understand it's driving exactly as it should and is presented as a highly original example.

History and Paperwork

Built in 1952
Restored in the USA before arriving in the UK
Imported into the UK in the early 1990s
Restored in the USA prior to importation
Recently serviced after a period in storage
Currently indicates 52,194 miles on a five-figure odometer

The Condition

With its signature front profile and sweeping rear, the Hornet is a real looker!
The vendor notes a dent in the passenger wing and two on the roof
Some corrosion and blistering, particularly to the lower doors, bonnet and behind the bumpers
Chrome is pitted, and could benefit from rechroming
The colour matched wheels are shod in a new set of tyres
Underside appears solid with no issues we can discern
Internally, the car is in a very handsome blue and gold jacquard
Original seats in good condition with no rips or tears
Some light discolouration and wear, commensurate with age
Most of the wear is isolated to the seat siding
Carpets are in good order with no rips or tears
One of the doors is showing some signs of water ingress and staining
Heater and all interior equipment are functioning properly
Some fogging, patina and numeral loss to the very decorative gauges

The Mechanics

Powered by the legendary 308 cu in (5.0-Litre) 6-cylinder 'Powerdome'
3-speed automatic gearbox
Some corrosion to the engine bay, but everything looks solid
Converted to a 12v electrical system
Recently serviced
The car has also been treated to a new master cylinder and a refurbished carburettor
We understand the car to be in good, drivable order
We've no reports of any mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..