1954 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Convertible

Designer: Frank Spring

Estimate: $50,000 - $85,000 Without Reserve

Chassis Number: 7283978

Decoded: 7=Hornet Series; 283978=Unit Sequence

Engine: 308 cid, L-Head In-line 6-cylinder

"Twin-H" 2 X 1-barrel/170 bhp

"Dual Range" Hydramatic Automatic Transmission

Power Assisted Four-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

Odometer: TBA

Last Year of a Hudson Convertible

Outstanding Workmanship

Twin-H "Instant Action" Engine

The Model -When Hudson introduced its "Step-Down" designs in 1948, it was heralded as bold, new and dramatic. Slab sided styling that some referred to as an inverted bathtub, Hudsons were good selling cars in the late 1940's and early 1950's. And they were fast for their day with Marshall Teague piloting Hudson Hornets over the finish line in early NASCAR events on a regular basis. However, sales started to decline by 1952. Despite facelifts done on a budget, by 1954 the 1948 body had run its course. But Hudson never let the guard down. Frank Spring breathed as much new life into Hudson offering Twin-H dual carburetion for the "Instant Action" engines, tuned suspensions with "Center Point" steering, airplane like shock absorbers and several luxury appointments usually found on top-shelf automobiles. For 1954 Hudson promised the world and delivered as much of it as possible.

The Car - Finding a Hudson Hornet convertible is a rare thing, finding one that is in the stellar condition of this example can be a once in a lifetime experience. Finished in Bristol Cream Yellow, the interior had been done in plush red leather with a tight-fitting tan top. The optional Twin-H dual-carb setup is the star under the hood, with the rest of the engine bay looking as good, if not better than the day it was put on sale. During a recent test drive, we were amazed at the immediate acceleration delivered from this "Instant Action" six. At a glance, this car may seem to be cumbersome on the road, but the light touch needed to steer and the immediate self-leveling system combine to deliver a comfortable and controlled driving experience. It is fitted with all the right stuff, power lift windows, original AM pushbutton radio, heater defrost and clock, all encased in the immaculate dash with bright chrome and easy to read gauges. This car represents the last of the breed and one that will appreciate in historical value in the next few years.