The Hudson Motor Car Company

Formed on February 20, 1909 by eight Detroit businessmen and named after the founder of the Hudson department store, who also provided the necessary capital, the Hudson Motor Car Company was formed to produce an automobile which would sell for less than $1000. The Hudson "Twenty" was one of the first low-priced cars on the market and more than 4000 were sold the first year.

Although Hudson came up with many innovations, dual brakes and dashboard oil and generator lights to name just a couple, the company chose to stay with a single engine design for most of it's existence. Dubbed the "Super Six", this straight six engine had a balanced crankshaft which allow for higher rotational speeds without vibration.

In 1919 the Essex was introduced for the budget minded buyers and was designed to compete with Ford and Chevrolet. Combined Essex and Hudson sales moved the company to third place by 1925. 1932 saw the Essex being phased out for a new model called the Terraplane. This lasted until 1938 when the model was renamed the Hudson 112.

Hudson also hired the first female designer in 1939, for a female perspective. During the war Hudson converted to producing war material like other auto makers and the Hudson "Invader" engine powered many of the landing craft used on D-Day. The company also had an aircraft division which produced ailerons for a large eastern airplane builder.

After the war in 1948, Hudson launched their "step-down" bodies which lasted through the 1954 model year. This referred to the placement of the passenger compartment down inside the perimeter of the frame resulting in a safer car as well and additional passenger comfort. Other auto makers were quick to follow Hudson's lead.

Hudson's strong lightweight bodies, combined with the high torque inline six engines made the 1951-1954 Hornet an auto racing champion dominating NASCAR during the period. Some records set by Hudson in the 1950's still stands even today.

But, even with Hudson's innovations and accomplishments, like other smaller manufacturing companies, they could not keep up with the Big Three auto makers. So on January 14, 1954, they merged with Nash-Kelvinator to become American Motors Corporation.

The last Hudson rolled off the assembly line in Kenosha, Wisconsin June 25, 1957. There were no ceremonies because at that time there was hopes of continuing the Hudson name on a longer wheelbase 1958 Rambler. The name was dropped even though some Hudson inspired trim was used on the Rambler Ambassador and Rambler Customs for 1958.

Possibly as a tribute to the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, AMC revived the Hornet name for it's series of compact cars in 1970.

Did You Know?

The Hudson Commodore (1941-1952) was the largest and most luxurious Hudson model ever produced.

The 1965 Chevrolet Impala sold more than a million units in North America setting a record that stands to this day.

The first automobile racetrack in the US was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Windshield wipers were invented by a woman.