The Family Sedan That Ruled NASCAR... [OIC]

All new for 1951 and built until 1954, The Hudson models offered innovations that made it a performance winner. The unique, for the time, 'step down' where the body was positioned below the frame rails, offered great handling. Where the big 3 were evolving their OHV V8s, Hudson discontinued their straight eight and went all in on a 308 cid flat head high compression H-145 six cylinder and, in the "Twin-H" configuration with two Carter carburetors offered 170 HP and a 97 mph top end. That was 10 more horsepower than the vaunted Olds Rocket V8. That first year was a financial loser for Hudson due to a combination of labor problems and harsh government restrictions and red tape due to the Korean war demands. The following years of production was fairly successful and undoubtedly helped by the "Fabulous Hudson Hornets" success on the track. I love how this Franklin Mint LE of 675 was decked out exactly the way I remember it as a kid. The addition of the visor was a very popular choice in the day as a sun shield reducing the glare off the lacquered and chromed dash and reducing heat inside the car when air conditioning was a rarity. One of the many Motor Vehicle restrictions, at least in New Jersey, was a ban on any tinting of the windscreen. You could be ticketed for installing the aftermarket 3" green plastic tint on the upper part of the glass. So, to me, the Hudson looks naked without it.

This Franklin Mint model is older tech with dog leg hinges but was quite well done when initially released. I like the tutone combination of Bali Blue over Admiral Blue.