(first posted 10/4/2014) Spotted during a dreaded visit to Target last spring, this Hudson Wasp resulted in my partner going inside while I snapped pictures. If he never had to touch or see another car again, he’d be perfectly happy, and that’s why meet-ups like this are so important. Otherwise, you’re left all on your lonesome with an appreciation of all the aspects of what make cars so amazing, and it’s not uncommon for me to feel just like this Hudson, by itself at the back of the parking lot. Speaking of which, many other shoppers, scurrying on and off the premises in their Outbacks and Jettas likely didn’t even notice this green beauty.
No wonder it was parked across two spaces to keep other drivers away; someone might only pause to take it all in after whacking their door into its streamlined flanks. It’s amazing when you think about it; how could one not notice such a grand shape? I guess I might fail to recognize an elaborate hair extension, a home run or a well-crafted pair of shoes that would cause others to stop in their tracks, but that’s the exact reaction this car provoked in me.
It’s recognizable from a number of movies, as it’s often called upon to date its era, despite not having been a huge seller. Such is what often happens those products borne of its designers’ and engineers’ vision, living on as icons despite a lack of genuine popularity. Too bad that didn’t translate into actual earnings when it was most necessary.
Yes, I’m sure a lot of car buyers back in the day thought this car was “weird.” Well, take a lesson from this Wasp: indiscriminate use of such sentiment betrays a degree of simple-mindedness. Hudson wasn’t ready for the ostentation required of from similarly positioned cars in the marketplace and its models were beginning to look dated, something their distinctiveness made hard to disguise. Aging sixes at the dawn of the high-compression V8 era didn’t help, either.
But a thinking man could certainly appreciate that with better handling and respectably low weight, one could enjoy themselves just as much behind the wheel in a Wasp as they could in many similarly priced Buicks, Oldses or Chryslers. Yes, despite success in racing owing to the well thought out engineering embodied by these cars, sales in terminal decline. Subjective impressions of its abilities were likely unfavorable when newer, flashier metal was so readily available; even with the fundamental diversity of new car offerings in the early ’50s, this mattered just as much as in today’s market, with its standardized approach to automobile engineering.
So subjectively, it’s this car’s interior which really does it for me. It’s clean, understated and space efficient. For someone not familiar with cars of this era, the Hornet makes a great gateway drug; it’s easier to relate to this space than it is to understand the narrow, upright confines of the period’s other sedans. Why did it take everyone else so long to figure out packaging efficiency and the unibody?
The thought of true three abreast comfort on four wheels is somewhat exotic, also. Many of the biggest, roomiest cars in the following decades didn’t accord the middle passenger this much real estate, and it doesn’t appear to have come at the expense of those seated outboard. Actually, this is still impressive today, given that these were 77 inches wide. Would an aquarium fit with this much space to spare in anyone’s Broughams or in a modern crossover?
“Monobuild” construction or not, however, time waits for no one. As unique as these cars were and as advanced as they may have been, the two-box styling was quickly becoming deeply unfashionable. The coffers in Detroit were beginning to run thin and ever the queen bee, the Wasp’s corporate mother went searching for a new suitor, which she found in Kenosha. By 1957, the Wasp, along with the Hornet, the Commodore and the Pacemaker were orphans.
The cars which replaced these from 1955 to 1957 are no so fondly remembered, of course, but at least they were part of a short run and an obvious ploy to keep the marque alive. When people think Hudson, it’s the very rational big sedans like this Wasp which come to mind, so unlike many orphaned cars, we are able to recall these as products designed with integrity, something separating them from, say, any Saturn made after 2002. Speaking of which, we are already planning a meet-up in for October 2060, where we will be spending the day in Spring Hill, Tennessee at the Saturn Museum. I expect that’s far enough in advance for people to make time to attend.
Related reading:
Curbside Classic: 1952 Hudson Hornet – A Victorious Dead End
I’m reading this as I’m getting ready to go to Auburn. In my orphan car. An amusing coincidence…
Great minds are thinking alike…I’m eating breakfast at a motel in Auburn. Even drove by the museum last night.
These are such terrific cars and this was a spectacular find. It’s good to see someone driving and making use of it.
I’m getting to leave from Ypsilanti shortly, will be there by late morning.
It’s going to be a great day!
Hey, two Pixar movies in one post! Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. I’m a shameless Pixar fan.
“… how could one not notice such a grand shape?”
It’s a fine design; nothing looks clunky or out of place. Whoever owns it is clearly enjoying the light patina, too.
I have a 46 year old car as my daily driver and I have been surprised at how many parts store clerks and auto mechanics either don’t care or don’t know anything about older cars. Sometimes they make little jokes like “wow, a real dinosaur.” I guess I’m naive, but I thought all those guys lived and breathed cars from the “classic” era.
I have never seen a 4 door Hudson like this before, looks a lot like the Hornet, great find Perry!
Leaving from Kalamazoo area at 8:30 to arrive at 10, looking forward to seeing you all!
Chris
Never seen a Hudson in the metal.It looks like it came from a black and white crime thriller,driven by the good guy.I like it a lot.Hudson had a factory in Brentford London before the war and Brough Superior(of motorcycle fame) used Hudson 6 and 8 cylinder engines in his cars.
Wow, there’s a Saturn museum?
Either there is alot of 49-51 Mercury there or I’m missing something.
Either there is alot of 49-51 Mercury there or I’m missing something.
Nope, not missing something, except maybe that the stepdown Hudsons came out in 48.
Also, the Hudson designers’ main domestic inspiration (and target) was the 1942 Buick, so it was more a matter of different interpretations of an emerging theme.
The Langworth book mentions Frank Spring’s obsession with the Buick. That obsession also lead to the step down’s high beltline and tiny windows. By the 50s, the trend was to a taller greenhouse. I have never been inside a stepdown, but it does look like it would be claustrophobic inside.
There will be a Saturn museum! (In 50 years!)
I believe the pink Hudson is from the movie “Porky’s”.
Yes it tis. One hell of a horn on that sucker.
Sweet looking car. I’ve heard of the Hudson Hornet, but I’ve never seen one in person.
Just saw and shot one of these yesterday at a swap meet it only had the start piece of the chrome spears on the sides being a cheap model and little other adornment unlike the trim laden Hornett.
I own the Hornet my Father bought for my Mother from the original owner in 1959. It had less than 10k miles and still only shows 32k. Having grown up with these cars, I sometimes take for granted that a kid can sit on the center rear armrest, or sleep in the rear package tray. Not with today’s safety restrictions, of course, but in those days that is where my little sisters would always be. The completely chromed steering column, the leather grained paint on the dash and door reveals, and Bedford cord seat material were anathema to planned obsolescence. With a wider front track, the 308 Twin-H 7X engine was the equal of any current V8 of 1953, and they handled better than most at the track. The consequent failures have been documented by many, so I choose to treat these as “peeks” into an era where everyone really could be President, and Harry Truman could jump with his wife into a station wagon and drive, just the two of them, across America.
What a treasure to own after all these years. Hope your family sees fit to pass it on and maintain it for another 50 plus years.
For anyone at the meetup wanting to see more Hudsons, go up I-69 to Angola, then take US20 west to Shipshewana and check out the Hostetler Museum,, which specializes in Hudson. The Hostetler owns so many that some are on loan to the Gilmore near Kalamazoo.
As a handful of us CC-ers meet
That was a pretty big handful. I didn’t do a precise headcount, but there were something like 16-20 of us at the bar for lunch….and Paul picked up the tab. Thanks Paul! Pix were taken, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing them posted.
No, there was no 71 Merc in evidence in the parking lot at the ACD.
He left it parked at the hotel…
I just bought a 1953 Hudson Wasp a couple months ago. Right now it’s in about a thousand pieces.
Messrs Cavanaugh, Niedermeyer, and Shoar inspect the new official CC Police Cruiser.
To be pulled over by a Cord 810 might even be pleasant.
Greetings to all from the CC meet-up in Auburn! A fabulous day of classic cars and fellowship.
If nothing else, a Cord 810 police car would be easy to spot…
Solved my big Cord question yesterday: If the 810 had been made rear drive, as Gordon Buehrig had originally intended, could they have used the existing Auburn V12 to provide nearly the same power as the supercharged Cord V8, at lower cost, with better reliability and earlier availability?
Nope. There would be no problem with length, the Cord’s independent front suspension would allow the front of the engine to extend farther forward that the V8 did, but the V12 was 6″ taller from the bottom of the oil pan to the top of the carb. The manifolds being on top say it’s a no-go
Yes, the Cord 810 just wouldn’t have been the same with hood scoops. 🙂
“…the Cord 810 just wouldn’t have been the same with hood scoops.”
The ’66 Toronado would have been fantastic, though.
A narrow-angle V12 – wonder what that would sound like? Google is calling me,,,,,
There’s 1964bler and DougD in the background.
Truly a fantastic day!
I believe I would like being pulled over by a Cord. Beats the heck out of the back seat of a Gran Fury.
“There’s 1964bler and DougD in the background.”
Along with what may be my hand moving over in the bottom right.
I’d beg to be arrested in one!
“Please step into the back of the police car, sir. And DON’T SCRATCH IT!” 🙂
Great find. I’ve always liked these, ever since I got a book called Decade of Dazzle as a kid, that featured a mint green 1953 Hudson Hornet, among other classic cars. The 1955 Packard Caribbean owned by Howard Hughes, also featured in the book, also really got my attention. And the 1953 Studebaker Commander Starliner…
Oh there was a Cord 810/812 police car at the other museum? Cool!
Yes, it was cool.
The Wasp was an outgrowth of the Pacemaker from a couple of years earlier. The senior cars at that time were the Super Six and Commodore, prior to 1951. According to a book on Hudsons, the automaker rated their engines WITH accessories, which made a 145-HP Hornet equivalent to about the 160hp reported by other cars of the day. My ’54 Hornet, back in ’58, walked away from a ’55 Chevy power pack on the interstate, indicating about 117 when I let up on it. 🙂
The Wasp was an outgrowth of the Pacemaker from a couple of years earlier. The senior cars at that time were the Super Six and Commodore,
I had a chance to look under the hoods of a Hornet and a Wasp at the Hostetler a couple months ago. The 308 nearly filled the Hornet’s engine room. Knowing that the Wasp’s 262 was about the same length as the 308, I wondered how they got it in there as the Wasp is shorter ahead of the firewall. Answer: they dished the Wasp’s firewall about 4″ to clear the back of the engine.
It was wonderful meeting so many of you in person; thanks for coming great distances to share the CC spirit. What a great bunch with which to spend a fabulous day gazing at some of the greatest cars ever built and getting to know each other. And I had my first ride in a Seville; loved it!
Thanks, Paul! Here is the mighty Seville just minutes before Paul took over shotgun command.
Safe homeward travels to all. Until the next CC encounter.
John (SeVair)
John, that Seville is a beauty–wish I could have seen it up closer, though you were parked behind me when I left after dinner.
Please write it up–and your Corvair–sometime. I’d really like to hear about them. And of course, it was a pleasure meeting you–and everyone else!
Time to post the blackmail photos of Niedermeyer riding shotgun in this beauty! Enjoy the ride!
Ha!
Next time, you may get the opportunity to ride in a Saab c900, if one is approved by dad for me.
As I have posted before, I owned a 1951 Hudson Super Six Coupe. I was young and had ambitious plans for a car that was probably too far gone for my level of skill at the time. The outer frame members (inner rocker panels) were really bad, and I didn’t realize the extent of the problem until I was well into the restoration. Sadly I made the decision to send it off to the scrap yard. In the mid 70s this was just an old, rusty car; even the local Hudson collector didn’t want it. The experience from the Hudson allowed me to actually successfully complete my next “basket case” restoration.
The Auburn meet-up was great; good to meet all of you!
“Outbacks and Jettas.” lol
The vehicles of choice by the flock of society’s sheep.
BORING. 😛
“Outbacks and Jettas.” lol
The vehicles of choice by the flock of society’s sheep.
Hey! I resemble that remark! :^)
Jetta wagons are excepted. 😉
I also resemble that remark but it’s a sedan. Oh no! Hope a meetup closer in the PDX area happens some day. I don’t feel quite brave enough to drive the 300,000 mile special that far. Hope all had a good time.
First, I love this Hudson, even if it is a lowly Wasp. I can guarantee that there is a genuine Hornet somewhere near Perry, if he will keep his eyes peeled. (And it’s not even white 🙂 )
Second, I was delighted to renew some old acquaintences and make some new ones. I know that I had a fabulous time with some great folks. I’m sure we will be reading more about the day.
Same here, Jim. Always good to meet folks in real life. That was a great time…
Well I guess it’s my turn to talk about the day…
Getting to meet all of you in person was a great experience! You all renewed my passion for what we do when it comes to telling the stories of the cars we love. Many of us have gotten to know one another by way of computer, so being around you all in person was more like a reunion.
I want to take a moment and publicly say that Paul is a gracious host. I really felt like I was meeting a celebrity! Thank you Paul, for lunch, and for taking the time to visit with each of us…I know it meant a lot to me!
I also want to take a second to give a shout out to Mr. Edward Mann…you are a cool kid! I was watching and listening to you go on about technical details of some of the engines, and I have to say, you are wise beyond your years! I have no doubt you will go far in life 🙂
Lastly, I wanted to share the pic of those of us that lingered at the restaurant till the end. I hope we can all do this again sometime!
If anyone is interested, I shared my pictures from the day over at The Brougham Society on Facebook, as part of my weekly column called “Sunday Musings”…
Thanks for the tip. I clicked on the join thing on the FB page.
I thought about staying longer, but with the dodgy weather and deer on I-94, I wanted to get home in daylight…just made it too. Hit Canton at 7:18, in the last of the afterglow after sunset.
Along with Steve, I was worried about traveling after dark. I have always had a tough time driving at night, even in cars with good headlights. I managed to get to Kalamazoo by dark, and the trip home from there was no problem.
It was great to see all of you the other day, I hope we can do it again sometime soon!
We have to get Margaret to post her pix from the luncheon… We fairly took over that restaurant!
We have to get Margaret to post her pix from the luncheon… We fairly took over that restaurant!
Yes! My FB post about the meetup is waiting for those pix.
I’ll repost the two Richard took that I’m in on my FB page as well.
I have always been drawn to these. Almost suspended and weightless, a zeppelin for the roads. There’s also an element of yachting to these – I am seeing a bullnose Chris Craft at anchor in Target Bay.
Wonderful cars. Very comfortable and roomy inside, and the small windows don’t seem so noticeable from inside. You’re very much aware that it’s a product of a company that thinks differently. That upholstery fabric gives it a real sense of class. But by 1952 when other cars in the US were being rebodied every 3-4 years this was looking ‘same-old’. In other countries where this wasn’t an issue, we still loved it.
I got my driver’s license in a Hudson Hornet back when I was 16 and in Connecticut in 1959. It belonged to a friend’s father. I don’t remember the year of the car though, but do remember it was a standard shift Hudson.
The Hudson and the department store is named after Joseph Hudson of Detroit business fame who grew with Detroit and the auto industry, and whose family operated Hudson’s and its branches in Michigan, Ohio and New York throughout the early 20th century. During Detroit’s peak period of growth, Hudson’s operated the tallest department store in the world, as well as one of the world’s largest stores. Hudson’s was synonymous with Detroit, and Detroit’s Thanksgiving parade was sponsored by Hudson’s. Detroit’s famous July Fourth fireworks and world’s largest flag were sponsored by Hudson’s. Hudson was Detroit.
The brand Hudson was recognized for quality, customer service and class. So when Roy Chapin began the car company, the image for his new car was already established. At no time was a Hudson considered an average car. It was a car for small businessmen and women, a car for working professionals, a car for good society.
Consequently, Hudson was to the mid-20th century, what many new auto corporations strive today to be, good neighbors advocating good causes. Subaru did not invent the auto/social ties between a car company and its business philosophy – Hudson did.
Hudson faltered as a brand as Detroit faltered. Like the car company, the department store’s overhead maintaining its prestige location in downtown Detroit, grew prohibitively expensive, and as Detroit’s problems accelerated during the 1960 decade, Hudson’s loss millions in shoplifting and security costs downtown annually, yet felt obligated to continue its Detroit ties until the very end in 1983. The Hudson brand was sold to Dayton stores, then to Macy’s stores until being euthanized ten years ago as a brand name by Macy’s.
The automobile also peaked as Detroit had, immediately after WWII. The postwar auto boom benefited both the city and Hudson. The new Hudson brought to market during that era is still known for its engineering, design and quality.
Hudsons were good cars. So were Studebakers. So were Nashes.
That’s a cool old car, and I hope it is still on the road.
There is a 56 Wasp for sale near me, posted in the cohort.
Unlike the Target customers mentioned by the original poster, I notice and appreciate old cars as I scurry around in my Outback, and Hudsons certainly get my attention.
Thanks, VanillaDude, I didn’t know that Hudson invested in the eponymous department store company. A bit of Wikipedia research informed me that Target, where the original poster found the Wasp, is descended from the Hudson department store of old. A Hudson at a Target store is a cool connection.
CC-in-scale is rather partial to these old Hudsons. A 1952 convertible is in the works, and I’ve just finished a 1954 sedan (two doors though). Here’s a pair of ’53 coupes.