Throughout its rich history, the succession of great automobiles produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company continue to be highly regarded for their advancement of automotive design, particularly the innovative "Step Down" models introduced at the end of 1947. 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 rugged perimeter-type frame. Passenger comfort and ride quality were second to none, with handling and roadholding enhanced by the "Step Down" cars' low ride height and low center of gravity. The "Step Down" concept was rooted in the work of Hudson's famed Design Director Frank Spring, who conceived the basic concept in 1941.

Unveiled to the public in December 1947, the new Hudsons made a big splash with Hudson dealers, the automotive press, and most importantly, the buying public. Even Detroit rival General Motors is reputed