Description
Hudson Hornet | 1953
Highlights:
-
- Restored over eleven year period
- Original colour scheme
- 4.9-Litre inline-six engine
- Automatic transmission
- Enhancements including electric fuel pump and radial tyres
The seller offers for sale this 1953 Hudson Hornet 4-door sedan, an iconic piece of American automotive history. This car was imported from the United States to the Netherlands in 2014 and subsequently underwent a restoration spanning eleven years. Recently, both the engine and the automatic transmission have been overhauled.
Externally, the car has been repainted in its original colour scheme during the restoration process, maintaining the Hudson’s distinctive and elegant appearance. The paintwork is described as very good, with only a few extremely minor touch-ups carried out to remedy small imperfections from use. The chrome trim, glass, and body panels all appear well-aligned and in fine condition.
Inside, the Hornet has been treated to new upholstery that replicates the original look and feel. The seats, headliner, and interior trim have been renewed, while certain original elements, such as the vinyl on the door panels and dashboard, were retained due to their good condition. The result is a cabin that combines the authentic atmosphere of the 1950s with a crisp, clean finish. Mechanically, the Hudson is rated as very good. The automatic transmission, and all electrical components, including indicators, brake lights, and lighting systems, are reported to be operational. The car benefits from modern radial tyres for improved handling and safety, an electric fuel pump, a modern windshield wiper motor for more reliable performance, and updated air filter elements concealed within the original housings, preserving the classic engine bay appearance.
The Hudson Hornet holds a legendary place in automotive lore, famously dominating American stock car racing in the early 1950s thanks to its innovative “step-down” chassis design, which provided a lower centre of gravity and exceptional handling for its time. Under the hood, Hudson’s “Twin H-Power” inline-six engine earned a reputation for producing strong performance that rivalled many V8s of the era. The Hornet’s success on the track, coupled with its elegant styling and robust engineering, cemented its place as one of the standout American cars of the post-war period.
By 1953, the Hornet continued to embody Hudson’s commitment to engineering innovation and quality craftsmanship, offering spacious interiors, smooth rides, and advanced mechanical design. While Hudson’s fortunes would decline later in the decade, the Hornet remains a cherished symbol of the brand’s peak, with enthusiasts worldwide seeking well-preserved examples. The four-door sedan variant, as offered here, provides the practicality of a family car combined with the unique presence and driving experience characteristic of Hudson vehicles from this golden era.
This Hudson Hornet represents an excellent opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts looking for a classic American sedan that stands out both for its engineering heritage and its charismatic styling. The thorough restoration, faithful to original specifications yet enhanced for modern usability, ensures that this car can be enjoyed on the road as well as admired at shows. It offers a rare chance to own a piece of American motoring history.
Condition of the Bodywork and Paint
4. Very Good: Small dents or scratches; may require minimal bodywork or paint correction.
Condition of the Interior
4. Very Good: Clean with minimal wear; may need minor replacements for small missing or broken
parts.
Technical Condition
4. Very Good: Mechanically solid, with possible minor maintenance required.
Overall Condition
4. Very Good Condition: Shows only minimal wear and is ready to drive at any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.
All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.
Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.
This car is currently located in Noord-Brabant, Netherlands.
This car drives, brakes and shifts.
The car has a Netherlands registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.
The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.
Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.
