Higher desirable cars carry higher survival rates (and not just with Hudsons). Hornets fall into that category. Survival rate of all step-down 'verts fall into the 5-7% range. Trying to generalize here, not be specific, which is virtually impossible with the documentation we have available.

[quote="Russ Chilton" post=8348]Higher desirable cars carry higher survival rates.

You've got that right, Russ ... go to a big AACA meet for proof. It's a relief to see a Henry J or other plain Jane now and then!

I've seen the same thing at big shows, Park. One that I went to in Maine there was a fellow who brought a drop dead georgeous 1965 Rambler 770 2-door hardtop. You'd have thought somebody tossed a live skunk into the local church meeting!!!! I had a 1969 Rambler 440 wagon, somewhat worn due to age, that I was using as a daily driver - so I brought it onto the show field and parked next to his. Then a buddy of mine showed up with a 1953 Hudson Hornet Coupe - and he parked with us. Don't know about anybody else but the three of us had a blast. LOL

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

I received a gift certificate for Barnes and Noble for X-Mas so I'll be looking for a good book with lots of information on early '50's autos...preference given to anything Hudson. With the survival rate so small with some models, it's no wonder a lot of these cars come "piece mealed" together. My '51 had a complete '52 dash in it and at the time I bought it I didn't know the difference between '51-'52 or any other year. It also came with a '52 repair manual so I still have no idea what may or may not be original or what may have come off a '52 donor car. I have since replaced the dash with one from a '51.

Terry-
Everything on the outside of your car is '51-correct with the exception of the wire wheels. Those are period-correct, but not Hudson-correct. Chrysler, probably. No biggie, everyone uses them. The only glaring difference between '51 &'52 on the interiors is the chrome gauge cluster, the starter button (on '51, not '52) and '51's had a burl elm wood-graining and '52's had a leather-grain pattern.

I looked at doing the correct dash painting but decided I didn't want to spend the extra cash as this is a driver meant for just horsing around. I did paint the dash and trim a nice dark brown (an exterior color for a 1971 Chevy PU) and replaced the tattered leatherette on the top of the dash. I think the wire wheels were made by Motor Wheel Corp but, once again, I've been unable to verify due to lack of information. I haven't even taken a tire off yet as this car is so much fun to drive. I drove it yesterday...no snow or ice....about 60 miles because I tuned up the dual carbs and I HAD to see how she went. Lots of power...barked the tires in second on a single range Hyro.

Getting back to the production numbers inquiry- Why did Hudson vin numbers sometime begin with the letter "N"? The club directory has lots of them in it.

Hi Terry,

The numbers beginning with an N are not car/serial numbers. This number was given by the club registery because those folks did not list their car/serial number. Just a method to keep track of this individual car.

Hope this helps.

"Ric"