Summary
- The Hudson Hornet was a passenger car turned race car and dominated the early days of NASCAR with 80 NASCAR wins.
- The Hornet had a unique step-down chassis design and a powerful inline-six engine, making it a comfortable luxury car with excellent handling.
- Despite its success, the Hudson Motor Company eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator, bringing an end to the Hudson name and legacy.
The Hudson Motor Car Company was established in 1909 by Joseph L. Hudson. The company aimed to produce passenger vehicles for the public. Despite surviving World War II, Hudson faced struggles and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.
The Hudson Hornet, a passenger car turned race car, played a significant role in NASCAR and stock-car racing. It was produced from 1951-1954 and was known for its dominance on the racetrack.
The original Hudson Hornet had a spacious and luxurious interior, offering comfortable seating for six passengers. It featured a unique step-down chassis design that provided a lower sitting position and improved handling.
The Hornet was powered by a five-liter inline-six engine known as the H-145. It had an output of 145-170 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission.
The Hornet’s racing success was unrivaled, with a total of 80 NASCAR wins and over 131 total wins. It became a dominant force in stock car racing, outperforming its competitors. However, the Hudson Motor Company faced financial difficulties and eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator.
The legacy of the Hudson Hornet lives on, and it was immortalized in the movie “CARS” as “Doc Hudson.” The car’s racing achievements and impact on the sport continue to be remembered.