| The Astor Collection Friday, June 27, 2008 - Sunday, June 29, 2008 |
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| 1953 Hudson Hornet Twin H-Power Coupe | |||||||||
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170 hp, 308 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine with Twin H-Power dual carburetors and dual manifold induction system, Dual Range Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live rear axle with leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 124" Hudson automobiles remain highly regarded for their advancement of automotive design, particularly the innovative “Step Down” design, introduced on the 1948 Commodore. Unlike traditional body-on-frame construction, which forced passengers to climb up to enter their vehicles, Hudson designers placed the entire passenger compartment down inside the chassis, surrounded by a sturdy perimeter frame. Hudson recognized the marketing value of racing, and engineers including Vince Piggins developed a line of “severe usage parts” which transformed the robust Hornet into the definitive stock car of the early 1950s. A lineup of drivers including Dick Rathman, Tim Flock, Jack McGrath, Frank Mundy and Lou Figaro accounted for 13 wins in 1951, 49 in 1952 and 46 in 1953. No other car of the time could match the Hudson’s bulletproof construction, good handling, and factory support. The “Twin H-Power” equipped 1953 Hudson Hornet Coupe offered here received a professional restoration, performed to very high standards. It is very attractively finished in turquoise with a white top, and is equipped with bumper guards and chrome wire wheels with wide whitewall tires. The interior is completely restored. The very well fitted two-tone turquoise and white leather interior matches the exterior. The dash houses superb chrome trim, crisp instruments, along with a pushbutton radio and a “Weather Control” heater. As expected, the engine bay was treated to the same high-quality restoration and attention to detail as the rest of the car. The inline six cylinder proudly displays its “Twin H-Power” air cleaners, dual carburetors and intake manifold. Showing only limited signs of road use, the under engine bay and undercarriage are both well maintained and largely period correct in presentation. This handsome, powerful and well-restored 1953 Hudson Hornet provides a tangible link to a rich racing heritage and a small, independent auto manufacturer that provided an innovative alternative to the “Big Three”. |
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