Hi,
I’m a new member who has fallen in love with the step down Hudson’s!
I’ve been an old car guy since age 10, when I spent my idle time playing in the old cars at a local junkyard.
Bought my first, a 49 Chevy at 14, and have owned 30 plus since then.
We just sold a 1928 Ford roadster that we had enjoyed for the last 11 years.
We bought a 1960 Nash Metropolitan convertible as a temporary old car while I searched for a long, low business coupe. My wife and I enjoy long distance touring in old cars, and also camping.
We have a woody camper that we pulled behind the Roadster, and want to continue the touring and camping trips with a bigger, more capable car.
I’ve always owned stock original cars. Nothing against street rods and the like, but driving and experiencing cars as they came from the factory (back in another time) is a large part of the thrill and enjoyment for me. People were amazed that we pulled the 2400 pound trailer with a stock Model A, but it did just fine, and was a blast!
We were very close to being empty nesters, and then our youngest had two children…
We look after the boys, now 3 and 4, about half the time. They both love going for rides in the old car.
So, the dream of a three passenger coupe is no longer practical…
Then while searching, I found the low, long look of the step downs, and realized I could still have my dream and have a backseat for the boys. I’m excited now! B)
I’ve been searching the Internet want ads trying to get a feel for what is out there, and for what price.
I’ve also been reading the posts here on the boards trying to educate myself.
I’m writing this post to ask for help from those of you who are experienced Hudson veterans.
As with most old cars for sale, it appears most step down Hudson’s in the price range I can afford (max. $20,000) are “all original” with new or shiny paint that are priced higher than common sense says they should be?
Most appear to need everything, such as front end work, engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, interior, etc.
Most seem priced around $18,000-$20,000
Then there are older restored cars in the $25,000-$30,000 range. It would take a lot more than ten thousand dollars to bring one of the lesser cars up to that level of restored?
Can you help me with what to look for/or avoid, and what I should pay?
My want list is decent paint (love yellow!) decent interior, no rust, automatic (preferred, but 3 speed with O/D is ok too) if not older restored, at least well maintained, as in tight front end, good drive train, etc, capable of 500 mile trips.
[strike]A 4 door is good[/strike], as it looks longer (to me) and I like the extra window! 🙂
Tried a 4 door but need more window room, so shooting for a coupe!
Our wish it to be able to drive the car 65-70 mph on tours, and a bit slower of course with the trailer in tow.
I can go up to $20,000, but would rather stay just a little under that as there is always “something” that needs attention…
I’m okay with doing minor repairs, but at my age I’d rather enjoy driving instead of lying under it…
What do you think, is the wish list in the same range as the budget?
Thank you!
Rob
Urbana Illinois
PS. here is bit about me, and my passions;
http://48rob.yuku.com/directory
Rob, I love your vintage trailers, what a great hobby! If I had the space I would have to have one. I think you will enjoy having a Hudson and the stepdowns will provide plenty of room for your family. A Hornet with a 308 will give you lot's of power to pull your trailers! Just got started looking at your website but plan to spend lots of time there. Thanks and welcome to the forum. By the way I grew up not to far from you in Marshall, IL. Take care! Doug
Welcome, Rob!
You should be able to buy a decent StepDown for $10-12,000, in my opinion. By "decent" I mean solid with little or no rust, paint is acceptable (especially if you compound it!), a few rips and tears in the upholstery, and engine runs well (though it might have an "issue" or two). I agree: you need a "reserve" set aside for unforeseen contingencies so don't spend that $20,000. If you can find a good decent-looking "driver" for $10,000, you have a car you can drive and enjoy, and you can gradually bring it up to show quality (new chrome, paint, engine work, upholstery) bit by bit, as you get the money, even as you drive it.
My advice: get out and about, to Hudson meets. Talk to people. Find out what the strong and weak points are, in a Hudson. Know what to look for (or look out for) when shopping around. Especially frame rot. Let people know you're in the market for a StepDown because word of mouth is the best way of discovering cars that may not even yet be on the market. A lot of the older Hudson collectors are cutting back on their collections and you will have the opportunity to buy cars where "all the heavy lifting" has already been done.
Also: check Hemmings Motor News, Ebay and your local Craigslist. Hang out here at the Hudson Forum often, and also check out the Club's other forum at [url= http://www.hetclub.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=1075 ]http://www.hetclub.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=1075[/url] .
If you're really interested in a Hudson, join the H-E-T. The magazine alone is worth the price of admission, and you'll increase your knowledge of Hudsons so you will be an "intelligent shopper".
With two young folks to transport safely, you'll be glad to know that Hudson's monobuilt body has a well deserved reputation for safety. I've read countless articles about StepDowns which were involved in serious accidents in recent years, in which the passengers survived or were unhurt due to the fact that they were surrounded by a perimeter frame. This construction was advanced for its time and it should give you peace of mind when traveling with your precious cargo!
By the way, where are you located? There may be a local or regional Hudson meet coming up near you this spring!
Doug,
Thank you for the welcome!
The trailers are a lot of fun, and when coupled to an old car, they open a lot of doors!
Marshall is a nice place!
Rob
Jon,
Thank you for the welcome!
I'm in Urbana Illinois, roughly the middle of the state.
Ten to twelve thousand is a relief! I was thinking that would be a realistic amount for what I'm seeing advertised for $15,000 - $18.000
Compounding an old car is okay with me. My Model A was a 30 year old restoration. The paint was dull and cracked and worn through in spots, but it shined up nice.
I don't want a show car, because it would take too much time to keep clean and perfect, and I'd always worry about a scratch!
We like to drive back roads and out of the way places, gravel, dust, and mud seem to find me. 😉
I would love to find another 30 year old restoration, and carry on an older members dream...
Reliability and safety are at the top of my list. In the 11 years and thousands of miles we drove the Roadster, I had 1 flat tire, and 1 cracked manifold (not counting the engine I had to rebuild because the babbit chunked off a rod...)
Anyway, I want to buy a dependable driver that will last me another 11 years, or longer and have something safe for the boys.
I had read about the extra strong body design and being safer, but the news about actual accidents is reassuring!
Many of the cars I've owned were wood framed...not so safe in an accident 🙁
Thanks for the info on the other club as well.
Rob
Rob, welcome to the Hudson community. I'd say two things to do: As Jon says, get out there to some meets, especially your annual Central Regional meet, where there are more cars to be seen. And be patient! There are a lot of cars out there that meet your requirements. Take it from another Illini ('72)
Park,
Thanks for the welcome!
And be patient! There are a lot of cars out there that meet your requirements.
That is going to be the hardest part! :blush:
Rob
I'll toss a couple cars out, as examples of what's being sold for less than $18,000. You would do well to monitor Ebay and sites like [url= http://www.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?cat=cp&itm=hudson&fil=&pg=&loc=&q=hudson ]THIS[/url] which monitor multiple Hudson sales around the country.
Here's a very nice one that just went for $10,000 on Ebay: [url= http://www.ebay.com/itm/251878143284?item=251878143284&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true ] http://www.ebay.com/itm/251878143284?item=251878143284&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true [/url]
Another nice one, price is up to $12,000 but will be a no-sale since the reserve price is evidently much higher: [url= http://www.ebay.com/itm/371281569668?item=371281569668&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true ] http://www.ebay.com/itm/371281569668?item=371281569668&lgeo=1&vectorid=229466&rmvSB=true [/url]
Nice '54 Hardtop but a bit high at $15,000....still, you could make an offer... [url= http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1954-Hudson-Hornet-2003850.xhtml ]http://www.autotraderclassics.com/classic-car/1954-Hudson-Hornet-2003850.xhtml[/url]
Rob, here's a suggestion . . . get in touch with Sue and Larry Kennedy, over in Indianapolis. They are super nice folks, and their place is just 2 hrs away from you, on the SE side of Indy. They have over 25 stepdowns in varying condition, from '49 through '54, and I'm guessing they'd enjoy showing a "newbie" around them. Who knows, Larry might even sell you one! Contact info is in the roster.
Speaking of Sue and Larry Kennedy, check out this car they just put on Ebay for sale at auction!
URL: http://www.ebay.com/itm/oTHER-mAKES-suer-six-sedan-Arizona-Car-1949-hudson-super-six-sedan-beautifully-restored-western-car/191538826120?forcerrptrs=true&hash-item2c989a8b88&item=191538826120&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-SUPER-SIX-SEDAN-Arizona-Car-1949-hudson-super-six-sedan-beautifully-restored-western-car-/191538826120?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2c989a8b88&item=191538826120&pt=US_Cars_Trucks
Jon,
Thanks for the examples!
I just looked at the 54. I'm still learning, but is that a drop down too?
If so, is there another term to describe the 49-53, or 54 cars that have the long drawn out styling?
Fastback style is the closest term I can think of to describe the look that I like.
Rob
Rob, here's a suggestion . . . get in touch with Sue and Larry Kennedy, over in Indianapolis.
Park,
[i] That [/i]is a great suggestion! 🙂
It would be the best way to get hands on experience with different models, and narrow them down some more.
Thank you!
Rob
Speaking of Sue and Larry Kennedy, check out this car they just put on Ebay for sale at auction!URL:
Jerry,
The link didn't show up...unless my computer is acting up.
What year is the car they posted?
Thanks,
Rob
1949 Super Six Hudson Sedan, looks to be two tone grey. If it's one of Larry's cars, it would be a great buy and be very roadworthy, cause He don't turn them loose unless they are ready to enjoy. A half hour or so ago, it was at $9,999.00 but still open for bid.
Thank you Jerry,
That is a handsome car!
Rob
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