Hudson Commodore

Last updated
Hudson Commodore
Hudson Commodore Eight Convertible 1947.jpg
1947 Hudson Commodore Convertible Brougham
Overview
Manufacturer Hudson Motor Car Company
Production1941–1942
1946–1952
Assembly Detroit, Michigan, United States
Body and chassis
Class Full-size
Layout FR layout
Chronology
Predecessor Hudson Greater Eight

The Hudson Commodore is an automobile that was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan between 1941 and 1952. During its time in production, the Commodore was the largest and most luxurious Hudson model.

Contents

First generation

First generation
1941 Hudson.JPG
1941 Hudson Commodore 8 Convertible
Overview
Production1941–1942
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
2-door convertible
Powertrain
Engine 202 cu in (3.3 L) I6
254.4 cu in (4.2 L) I8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 121 in (3,073 mm) [1]
Custom sedan: 128 in (3,251 mm)

1941

The Commodore Series 12 and Series 14 were the junior models to the Commodore Custom Series 15 and Series 17, and debuted in Hudson's 1941 model line. Commodore Series 12 featured a I6 engine and the Series 14 models came with a I8, with all built on a 121-inch (3,073 mm) wheelbase, while Commodore Customs utilized on the 121 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase for Series 15 coupes and a 128 in (3,251 mm) version for Series 17 sedans.

The Commodore was powered by Hudson's 202 cu in (3.3 L) I6 producing 102 bhp (76 kW), or by Hudson's 254.4 cu in (4.2 L) I8 that produced 128 bhp (95 kW). Prices listed for the Series 12 coupe started at US$1,028 ($20,453 in 2022 dollars [2] ) to the top level Custom Series 17 Sedan at US$1,537 ($30,580 in 2022 dollars [2] ). [3]

The Commodore series was Hudson's largest model range in its debut year, consisting of sedans, coupes, and convertibles. Hudson used a forward hinged hood that opened from the rear by the windshield with the front end of the hood sliding downward over the grille. Elements of the interior and exterior were styled by Betty Thatcher, "the first woman designer to be employed by a car manufacturer". [4]

1942

For 1942, the cars received a facelift. This included concealed running boards, modestly enlarged front grilles, and external trim arrangements. Hudson offered an optional "Drive-Master" vacuum assisted clutch with a servo-operated transmission with three modes: "automatic" shifting and clutching, automated clutching only, or fully manual. [5]

The firm promoted its economy over luxury during the shortened model year that ended in January 1942, as U.S. war production accelerated.

Second generation

Second generation
Hudson Commodore Super Six (1947) 03.jpg
1947 Hudson Commodore Super Six four-door sedan
Overview
Production1946–1947
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
2-door convertible
2-door pickup

1946

1946 Hudson Commodore Eight coupe 1946 Hudson Commodore Eight coupe at 2015 AACA Eastern Regional Fall Meet 1of7.jpg
1946 Hudson Commodore Eight coupé

Hudson began postwar automobile production on August 30, 1945. Body styles were trimmed to Sedan, Club Coupe, and Convertible. The designs were based on the 1942 models. [6] There were minor cosmetic changes from the pre-war versions with one exception, the car's grille now had a concave center section.

Hudson automobiles were more fully equipped than competitive makes, and all Hudson models received door armrests, twin air-horns, ashtrays, windshield wipers, stop lights, locking glove box, sealed beam headlights, and deep pile carpeting. Commodore and Commodore Customs added foam rubber seat cushions (Hudson was the first automaker to introduce foam seat cushions), door-step courtesy lights, rear armrest (sedans), and gold etched lettering on the dashboard panel.

1947

Production of the 1947 Hudson Commodore Eight increased to 12,593 from the previous year's 8,193. [6]

Third generation

Third generation
1952 Hudson Commodore 8 two-door hardtop frri.jpg
1952 Hudson Commodore 8 two-door hardtop
Overview
Production1948–1952
Body and chassis
Body style 2-door coupe
4-door sedan
2-door convertible

1948

Introduced in December 1947, the Hudson Commodore was one of the first new-design postwar cars made. [7] The 1948 model year inaugurated Hudson's trademarked "Monobuilt" construction or "step-down" automobile. The new cars were designed by Frank Spring.

The cars had a light, but strong semi-unit body with a perimeter frame. Because of the encircling frame, passengers stepped down into the vehicles. Hudson's step-down design made the body lower than contemporary cars. It offered passengers the safety of being surrounded by the car's chassis with a lower center of gravity. In addition to the added safety of being surrounded by the car's chassis, the step-down also allowed Hudson to gain weight savings provided through unibody construction, making for a well-performing automobile. The cars featured slab-sided bodies with fully integrated fenders. Brougham and sedans were of a fastback design while convertibles and coupes were notchbacks. A character line ran from the front to back further lowering the car even more visually, so "the new Hudson looked like a dream car straight from the auto show." [8]

In 1948, Commodores came in one series and were available in either I8 or I6 engines. Interiors were upholstered in broadcloth on sedans, and leather on convertibles. Again, Hudson continued to provide numerous standard features that other manufacturers classified as upcharge options. Commodore Eight production rose to 35,315 units.

Sir Vival

In response to the increasing number of deaths on highways in the United States after World War II, an innovative concept car was designed and built for safety rather than for style or speed. [9] Using two 1948 Hudsons, Walter Jerome, built a hinged two-section car to minimize impact of collisions. [10] Among its many features are a centrally-positioned, raised 36 in (91 cm) turret-shaped driver compartment providing panoramic visibility, as well as safety equipment that would later become standard on production vehicles such as rubber bumpers, seat belts, and side marker lights. [11] Jerome had purchased the two donor Hudsons from Bellingham Motors, a Hudson dealership in Massachusetts, and was planning to build up to a dozen Sir Vivals per year, but only the prototype was completed and in early-1970s, it went back to Bellingham Motors for storage. [11] [12] With the closing of Bellingham Motors, in 2022 it was sold to Lane Motor Museum which plans to restore it. [13] [14] [15]

1949

1949 Hudson Commodore sedan Hudson Commodore 4-Door Sedan 1949.jpg
1949 Hudson Commodore sedan

For the 1949 model year, the Commodore line was enlarged to include more luxurious Custom models. As a marketing promotion, Hudson had plastic specialists use scaled-down blueprints to develop transparent models of the Commodore Eight sedan to demonstrate and promote the design and construction of the cars. [16]

1950

There were only nominal trim changes on the exterior of the cars in successive model years. A new Custom Commodore convertible model debuted in mid-April 1950. This year redesigned the interior and it got a rear split back window.

1951

1952 two-door hardtop, rear 1952 Hudson Commodore 8 two-door hardtop rear.jpg
1952 two-door hardtop, rear

In 1951, Hudson introduced a new I6 engine and offered General Motors' Hydra-Matic as an optional transmission. The grille was redesigned from a rather rectangular shape to an oval shape, a design that would carry through to 1953. The grille would be redesigned again in 1954, the last year for the famous aerodynamic Hudson body style which was used from 1948 until 1954.

1952

In its final year in 1952, the Commodore was split into the Six Series and Eight Series. The exterior received another trim change, but by the end of 1953, the Step-Down styling was beginning to look outdated. Instead of redesigning the aging Hudson models, company President A. E. Barit pushed ahead with the firm's plan for the Jet compact.

Beginning in 1953, Hudson would field only the Hudson Hornet and Hudson Wasp line, as well as introduce the entirely new Hudson Jet compact car line.

Following Hudson's merger with Nash to form American Motors Corporation (AMC) in 1954, Hudson automobile production was switched to AMC's facility in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Following slow sales of the 1955 model year, AMC chose to hand over the Hudson styling contract to Richard Arbib, who created a unique look for the Hudson line based on what he termed as "V-Line" styling. The design failed to attract new customers to Hudson, and production fell even further.

1957 showcar

In its final year, the Hudson brand was pared down to a single model, the Hudson Hornet in two trim levels, the top-level Custom, and the Super. However, during the show car season, AMC issued a one-off 1957 Hudson Commodore show car that was identical to the production Hornet, but featured gold exterior trim and special upholstery.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nash Motors</span> Defunct American motor vehicle manufacturer

Nash Motors Company was an American automobile manufacturer based in Kenosha, Wisconsin from 1916 until 1937. From 1937 through 1954, Nash Motors was the automotive division of the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation. As sales of smaller firms declined after 1950 in the wake of the domestic Big Three automakers’ advantages in production, distribution, and revenue, Nash merged with Hudson Motors to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). Nash automobile production has continued from 1954 through 1957 under AMC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMC Ambassador</span> Large-sized cars produced by American Motors Corporation

The Ambassador is an automobile manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from 1957 through 1974 over eight generations, available in two- and four-door sedan, two-door hardtop, four-door station wagon as well as two-door convertible body styles. It was classified as a full-size car from 1957 through 1961, mid-size from 1962 until 1966, and again full-size from 1967 through 1974 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chrysler Imperial</span> Motor vehicle

The Chrysler Imperial, introduced in 1926, was Chrysler's top-of-the-line vehicle for much of its history. Models were produced with the Chrysler name until 1954, after which it became a standalone brand; and again from 1990 to 1993. The company positioned the cars as a prestige marque to rival Cadillac, Continental, Lincoln, Duesenberg, Pierce Arrow, Cord, and Packard. According to Antique Automobile, "The adjective 'imperial' according to Webster's Dictionary means sovereign, supreme, superior or of unusual size or excellence. The word imperial thus justly befits Chrysler's highest priced model."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ford LTD (Americas)</span> Model range of automobiles

The Ford LTD is a range of automobiles manufactured by Ford for the 1965 to 1986 model years. Introduced as the highest trim level of the full-size Ford model range, the LTD moved the Ford range upmarket, offering options and features previously reserved for Mercury and Lincoln vehicles. For much of its production life, the LTD competed against the Chevrolet Caprice ; the Mercury Marquis served as its divisional counterpart from 1967 until 1986.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMC Concord</span> Compact cars produced by American Motors Corporation

The AMC Concord is a compact car manufactured and marketed by the American Motors Corporation for model years 1978–1983. The Concord was essentially a revision of the AMC Hornet that was discontinued after 1977, but better equipped, quieter, and smoother-riding than the series it replaced. It was offered in four-door sedan, two-door coupé, three-door hatchback, and five-door station wagon configurations. The Concord was AMC's volume seller from the time it appeared until the introduction of the Renault Alliance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nissan Cedric</span> Motor vehicle

The Nissan Cedric is a large automobile produced by Nissan since 1960. It was developed to provide upscale transportation, competing with the Prince Skyline and Gloria which were later merged into the Nissan family. In later years, the Nissan Skyline was positioned as a sports sedan/coupe, whereas the Nissan Gloria was turned into a sporty version of the Cedric.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMC Matador</span> Large-sized car model produced by American Motors Corporation

The AMC Matador is a series of American automobiles that were manufactured and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) across two generations, 1971–1973 (mid-size) and 1974–1978 (full-size), in two-door hardtop and coupe versions, as well as in four-door sedan and station wagon body styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercury Marquis</span> Motor vehicle

The Mercury Marquis is a model line of automobiles marketed by Mercury from 1967 to 1986. Deriving its name from a title of French nobility, the Marquis was introduced as the divisional counterpart of the Ford LTD; four generations of the two model lines were paired through rebranding. Initially slotted as the flagship Mercury full-size range, the Marquis would serve as the basis for the later Mercury Grand Marquis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AMC Rebel</span> Cars developed and produced by American Motors Corporation

The AMC Rebel is a midsized car produced by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1967 until the 1970 model year. It replaced the Rambler Classic. The Rebel was replaced by the similar AMC Matador for the 1971 model year. The Rebel was positioned as the high-volume seller in the independent automaker's line of models.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dodge Polara</span> Motor vehicle

The Dodge Polara is an automobile introduced in the United States for the 1960 model year as Dodge's top-of-the-line full-size car. After the introduction of the Dodge Custom 880 in 1962, the Polara nameplate designated a step below the full-sized best-trimmed Dodge model; the Polara that year had been downsized to what was in effect intermediate, or mid-size status. In its various forms, the Polara name was used by Dodge until 1973, when its position in Dodge's line-up was replaced by the Dodge Monaco.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rambler American</span> Compact car produced by American Motors Corporation

The Rambler American is a compact car that was manufactured by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) between 1958 and 1969. The American was the second incarnation of AMC forerunner Nash Motors' compact Rambler that was introduced in 1950 and marketed after the merger with Hudson Motors under both marques during the 1954 and 1955 model years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nash Ambassador</span> Large-sized cars produced by Nash Motors Corporation

The Nash Ambassador is a luxury automobile that was produced by Nash Motors from 1927 until 1957. For the first five years it was a top trim level, then from 1932 on a standalone model. Ambassadors were lavishly equipped and beautifully constructed, earning them the nickname "the Kenosha Duesenberg".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rambler Classic</span> Car model produced by American Motors Corporation

The Rambler Classic is an intermediate-sized automobile built and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) from the 1961 through 1966 model years. The Classic replaced the Rambler Six and Rambler Rebel V8 names, which were retired at the end of the 1960 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nash Rambler</span> Compact-sized cars produced by Nash Motors

The Nash Rambler is a North American automobile that was produced by the Nash Motors division of Nash-Kelvinator Corporation from 1950 until 1954 in sedan, wagon, and fixed-profile convertible body styles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rambler Rebel</span> Cars developed and produced by American Motors Corporation

The Rambler Rebel is an automobile that was produced by the American Motors Corporation (AMC) of Kenosha, Wisconsin for the 1957 through 1960 model years, as well as again for 1966 and 1967.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hudson Hornet</span> Full-sized automobile produced by Hudson and American Motors

The Hudson Hornet is a full-size car manufactured by Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan from 1951 until 1954, when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merged to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). Hudson automobiles continued to be marketed under the Hudson brand name through the 1957 model year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hudson Jet</span> Compact car produced by Hudson Motor Car Company

The Hudson Jet is a compact automobile that was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, during the 1953 and 1954 model years. The Jet was the automaker's response to the popular Nash Rambler and the costs of developing and marketing the Jet ultimately led to Hudson's merger with Nash.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hudson Greater Eight</span> Motor vehicle

The Hudson Greater Eight is a luxury car that was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan during 1931 and 1932.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hudson Wasp</span> Motor vehicle

The Hudson Wasp is an automobile that was built and marketed by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, from the 1952 through the 1956 model years. After Hudson merged with Nash Motors, the Wasp was then built by American Motors Corporation in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and marketed under its Hudson marque for model years 1955 and 1956.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rambler Six and V8</span> Cars developed and produced by American Motors Corporation

The Rambler Six and the Rambler V8 are intermediate sized automobiles that were built and marketed by American Motors Corporation (AMC) for model years 1956 through 1960.

References

Inline
  1. "1942 Hudson brochure". oldcarbrochures.com. p. 5. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  2. 1 2 1634–1699: McCusker, J. J. (1997). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States: Addenda et Corrigenda (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1700–1799: McCusker, J. J. (1992). How Much Is That in Real Money? A Historical Price Index for Use as a Deflator of Money Values in the Economy of the United States (PDF). American Antiquarian Society. 1800–present: Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. "Consumer Price Index (estimate) 1800–" . Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  3. Kimes, Beverly (1996). standard catalog of American Cars 1805–1942. Krause publications. pp. 723–748. ISBN   978-0-87341-478-4.
  4. "Collection in Action - H". Franschhoek Motor Museum, South Africa. 26 August 2015. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  5. "1942 Hudson". How Stuff Works. 16 September 2007. Archived from the original on 12 August 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  6. 1 2 "1946-1947 Hudson Commodore Eight". How Stuff Works. 20 July 2007. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2022.
  7. Neely, William; John Lamm (1975). Cars to remember: thirty-seven great automobiles in retrospect. Regnery. p. 71. ISBN   978-0-8092-8241-8.
  8. Flory, J. Kelly (2008). American Cars, 1946-1959: Every Model, Year by Year. McFarland. p. 153. ISBN   978-0-7864-3229-5.
  9. Marquis, Erin (8 June 2022). "The Split-in-Two Hudson 'Sir Vival' Was Designed to Be Safe on Dangerous 1950s Roads". Jalopnik. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  10. Kozak, Graham (28 October 2013). "Meet Sir Vival, the safety car from a future that wasn't". Autoweek. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  11. 1 2 Peek, Jeff (22 March 2022). "This center-hinged car was all about Sir Vival in 1958". Hagerty. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  12. "1958 Sir Vival". Bellingham Auto Sales. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  13. Strohl, Daniel (June 7, 2022). "Lane Motor Museum acquires Sir Vival, the two-piece safety Hudson". hemmings.com. Hemmings . Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  14. Bennett, Rex (July 21, 2022). "The Survival Of 'Sir Vival,' The Strangest Safety Car Concept Ever, Now Rests in the Hands of the World's Quirkiest Car Museum". theautopian.com. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  15. "Sir Vival- 1958". lanemotormuseum.org. Lane Motor Museum . Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  16. "Model Cars Built on Production Line". Popular Science. Vol. 154, no. 1. January 1949. p. 192. Retrieved 18 April 2022 via Google Books.
General