Chassis No. 7C 229279

Engine No. 7307123

Hudson had no choice but to innovate with its first post-war model, having received fewer lucrative military contracts than the Big Three. The result was the "Step-Down" Hudson, built from 1948 to 1954 and showcasing pioneering unibody construction which placed the floorpan between chassis rails rather than above them. This design created a lower center of gravity and overall height, while offering a spacious interior that seated six adults. The car came powered by the world's largest and most powerful inline-six engine at 308 cu-in, producing 145 horsepower, with an optional "Twin H-Power" package using dual manifolds and carburetors to achieve 170 horsepower.

This engineering marvel translated directly to racing success, particularly in NASCAR where stock cars were truly stock. Under driver Marshall Teague in his "Fabulous Hudson Hornet," Hudsons dominated the early 1950s, winning 12 of 41 races in 1951, including the Daytona Grand National, followed by 27 of 34 races in 1952, and 39 more victories over the next two seasons. Despite this racing prowess and innovative design, declining sales meant that 1953 was Hudson's final year as an independent manufacturer.

This exceptionally rare 1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible, equipped with the legendary Twin H-Power dual-carburetor system, represents one of approximately 240 convertibles produced in 1953, with an estimated 51 survivors. Benefiting from a meticulous, no-expense-spared restoration by noted "Step-Down" Hudson specialist Russ Maas completed in 2009, the car subsequently garnered Best in Class honors at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance.

Since its acquisition by the Academy of Art University in 2016, the car has been beautifully preserved including its black exterior, black canvas soft top, and red leather interior. Notable features include its chrome wire wheels, period-correct steel sun visor, AM radio, Dual Range Hydra-Matic Drive transmission, Hudson Weather Control heater, and hydraulic power windows. Under the hood, the straight-six engine block is finished in correct gold and topped with Twin H-power air cleaners. This outstanding example of Hudson's innovative "Step-Down" design shows just over 1,000 miles, likely since restoration, and represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire one of the most significant American performance cars of the early post-war period.