1949 Hudson Commodore - $64,900 - Orange Village, OH - Older restoration still in outstanding condition. Straight-8 with manual transmission, gorgeous red leather interior. Top and windows fully functional. An outstanding road car and handsome show candidate.
The Commodore was Hudson’s top-of-the-line model, with this lovely 1949 Commodore 8 convertible being a rather rare piece as only 596 were built. It was the recipient of a high-quality restoration perhaps 15 years ago and used very little since. The paint is correct Platinum Gray, which is understated and elegant, a perfect complement to the dashing, low-slung bodywork. Straight sheetmetal lines up well, which is critical on this car due to the sweeping body lines that frame the wheel arches front to rear. It appears that the paint is two-stage urethane with just the right amount of metallic in it for a post-war car, so it has a very attractive glow in the sunlight and presents quite correctly. The brightwork remains in excellent condition, with straight, shiny bumpers and a simple horizontal grille that’s unmistakable. Perhaps the car’s most striking and noteworthy feature, the wide windshield header, was designed to eliminate troublesome curved seals on the top, so the Hudson feels quieter inside going down the road.
Inside, there’s a burgundy leather interior that is a delightful complement to the gray bodywork, suggesting fun and sophistication in equal measures. The interior was completely restored with the rest of the car and shows only very minor signs of use and certainly no damage or other issues. The seats are firm and the leather has a comfortable, welcoming patina that doesn’t qualify as wear and seems to enhance the user-friendly attitude of the Hudson in general. All of the instruments were restored at the same time, including the large speedometer and auxiliary gauges in the center of the dash, just above the original AM radio (which is sadly not operational). All four windows are power-actuated, as is the black canvas top, and all of it works like it should with smooth actuation. The black canvas top remains in good condition and with the touch of a button folds easily into the well behind the back seat, where it’s hidden by a matching black canvas boot.
Although the six would garner all the attention in coming years, the Commodore Eight was powered by a 254 cubic inch straight-8 making 128 horsepower and enough torque to move a locomotive. Smooth and powerful, it starts quickly and idles with a muscular 8-cylinder exhaust note that was surely part of the Hudson’s appeal when it was new. Lots of recent service work includes a carburetor rebuild, fresh ignition components, and all the other items required for trouble-free motoring.
The straight-8 is backed by a 3-speed manual transmission, which is often preferred to the early automatics used on these carsThe undercarriage is clean and shows a few minor patches in the floors, which is to be expected, but there are no surprises awaiting a new owner. Brakes are firm and with a set of modern wide whitewall radials, highway speeds feel effortless.
Obviously you’ve checked the price guides and have seen that the values on these cars are all over the map, with recently restored examples selling well into the six-figure range and basket cases selling in the $20s. This car is extremely nice in every way, ready for touring or casual shows, and remains a strong highway performer.
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