- 1 of just 551 examples originally produced
- Equipped with the historic NASCAR-winning Twin H-Power carburetors
- Hudson weather control unit, radio, power windows, power convertible top, and Dual-Range Hydra-Matic automatic transmission
LOT 333
Selling on Saturday
From the Passport Collection
1951 Hudson Hornet ‘Twin H-Power’ Convertible Brougham
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
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 to have purchased several new Hudsons to scrutinize and for several years, they were tested and used as a standard of handling and performance at the GM Proving Grounds. As the early "Step Down" Hudsons delivered strong performance and handling, the Hornet, which joined the Hudson lineup for 1951 with the updated 145-horsepower, 308-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, immediately went on to change racing history when Marshall Teague won the 1951 Daytona Beach Race at the wheel of a new Hornet. Quickly, Hudson engineers led by Vince Piggins developed a line of 'severe usage parts' including the 'Twin H-Power' intake system, which was introduced over the counter in 1951 and transformed the robust Hornet into the definitive stock car of the early 1950s. A stellar lineup of drivers included Teague, Dick Rathmann, Herb Thomas, Tim Flock, Jack McGrath, Frank Mundy, and Lou Figaro, with the Hornet chalking up 13 wins in 1951.
A production, open version of the NASCAR-dominating "Fabulous Hudson Hornet," which Worldwide Auctioneers proudly sold for a world record price, this rare 1951 Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham carries many of the same features as "Doc Hudson" did while on its historic winning spree. Featuring the Hudson signature -"Step-Down" design, this Hornet is powered by a powerful 308-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine that is topped with the legendary NASCAR winning Twin H-Power carburetors that produces an impressive 170 horsepower, 25 more than the non-Twin H-Powered examples. Backed by a Dual-Range Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, the combo is truly that of NASCAR legend.
Acquired in 2012 by the Passport Collection, this example has been sparingly driven but always stored in a climate-controlled garage. Finished in a charming dark blue with a light blue convertible top, the interior features complementary blue upholstery throughout. Well-equipped, this Hornet features a Hudson weather control unit, radio, power windows, and a power convertible top with a matching boot cover.
In total Hudson produced 131,915 automobiles in 1951, of which a small number were the Convertible Brougham, 551. Today, far fewer have survived. Well-cared for in the Passport Collection and sharing much of the same DNA as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet thanks to its desirable Twin H-Power, this is a wonderful example of a brand that was lost to the financial troubles of time.
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