John,

You're right, that continental kit really sets it off!

I'm not a huge fan of the 54's because of the squared off rear look, but the treatment you gave it really changes the appearance!

You have a [i]very[/i] handsome car!

Rob

Going to see Larry over in Indianapolis tomorrow to learn more about step down Hudson's.

I'm excited! [img] [/img]

I sure appreciate Larry, and everyone else here taking the time to help me in my search, and being so nice about it!

Rob

So, Rob, how did it go?

Russ,

It went pretty well.

My wife and I left a half hour early to be sure we would get there on time. About half way into the trip I looked down at my phone, and realized with horror that we had crossed a time zone and we were now 4 minutes late, with 45 miles to go...
We pulled into a rest area and I called Larry. I apologized and offered to come back on another day.
Larry was gracious enough to allow us to come in late. (I felt not so wise at that point).

When we arrived, the first thing I saw was Hudson's , they were everywhere!
I pushed the doorbell and waited...and waited, and waited. I was starting to think I had offended him when his wife came to the door after walking by and seeing me. Seems the doorbell had broken.
Larry came out and greeted us, and offered us a tour.
Cars in various stages, from rust to perfect. I was impressed!
He lifted the cover up on one of the cars and there it was, the color I'd fallen in love with from pictures, a light cream!
To see it in person was special, and made me realize that indeed, I had chosen the best color that Hudson had offered.
I told Larry that this was the color I'd been searching for, he politely told me that it might take forever to find it, as the color had only been offered on convertibles, and not 4 doors...darn... I think I might see a paint gun in my future. 😉

Larry showed me car after car, and told the stories of each. I learned a lot that day.
After the tour Larry asked If I wanted to go for a ride in one of them; as I have never ridden in one, and that was part of the reason for going, of course I agreed.
He drove us out in the country a few miles and I was impressed. The hydramatic shifted so nice, and the car ran well. When he offered to let me drive, I think I slid across so fast that I surprised him...I wonder now if maybe I should have gotten out and walked around 😳
It took about a mile to get used to the extra turns required of the wheel, then all was good.
Larry must have felt comfortable because he then asked If I wanted to try it on the highway (Interstate) You bet!
The car shifted and accelerated so nicely that it was hard to believe I was in a car so old. It was a great ride!

We returned to the house and discussed a few other things; I signed up for the Indiana chapter since I'm so close. Larry also recalled that there was a man who lived close by my place who might have some Hudson's for sale.
We said our goodbys and headed home, much better informed for my search.

Yesterday, after waiting until most would be done with church and lunch, I called the man who Larry had told me about. He did indeed have some cars, and trucks. We talked for an hour and a half. He has invited me on the first warm day to come have a look.
Best part is that he lives only two miles away...on the same road as I!

His cars, the ones I can afford, sound more like big projects than the operational driver I am seeking, but I still have interest in projects...
It is okay to have a driver and some projects, right? 🙂

Rob

You're in trouble now, Rob. You got to drive one. LOL! A bona fide HudNut and there's no going back! Glad you had a great trip. It's always fun to visit with Larry and see his collection.

Yes, the "cream" color, actually called Mandalay Ivory, I think, was only offered on convertibles, but you can certainly paint a closed car with the same color. Hudson Motors, as an independent would pretty much do whatever a customer wanted if it meant selling a car (due to their low market share). If you went to Hudson and said, "I'd like to buy a car from you, but it has just GOT to be purple, or I"m not interested." I guarantee you they'd be searching for a can of purple paint. Or Ivory. Point is, it seems every time someone jumps in and says something along the lines of "Hudson never did that", then someone else shows up with an example to contradict the theory.

I agree with you on the color, it's really a super fine color and sets the Hudsons off well. Complete class.

There's a Hudosn out there with your name on it. I can think of a couple as I type this. If your car doesn't come your way, keep us posted and we'll see what we can do to help. The hunt is part of the fun. Meeting the great Hudson folks along the way is a great experience.

FYI: Might find something here for sale at my meet. John O'Halloran has a nice 49 4 door he has driven across the country.

Sat & Sun,
July 11-12, 2015
MAAS/RICH Joint Meet
Heyworth and Clinton IL
The 5th every other year Maas/Rich meet will be held Saturday night starting at 5pm at the 3 Stars restaurant at 1161 IL-54, Clinton, IL. After dinner we will cruise to the C.H. Moore Homestead Museum (www.chmoorehomestead.org/). Then on Sunday beginning at 9 am we will commence from the Sunset Inn Hotel and travel 10 miles to Russ and Lisa Maas grounds (15233 East 300 North Rd, Heyworth IL). This makes for a great setting for a Hudson meet with ample parking, swap meet and lunch provided by the Maas’. Can view current projects and walk around 30 the acres. This is typical a joint meet for the Chicago Milwaukee and Gateway Chapter of the Hudson Club. All Hudson members are welcomed. Make reservations at the Sunset Inn 1251 Kleeman Rd, Clinton, IL 61727 (www.sunsetinnandsuites.com/rooms.htm) (217) 935-4140. Any questions please call Russ Maas @ (309)838-5551 (russmaas@frontier.com) or Keith Rich (217)521-9899.

Rob

Russ reminded me of way back in 1951 Dad came home in a brand new Hudson Hornet. Mom DID NOT LIKE THE COLOR!!! He took it back to the dealer in Burbank, Ca. Mom told them she wanted it two tone and color combination. When they finished the repaint and Dad pulled into the drive way I thought it looked beautiful. I was eight then. The colors were what Mom wanted but the combination was switched. I kind of think maybe Dad had something to do with that. Mom even agreed it looked better that way. A few years ago I asked my Uncle Ray what carburation it had, he replied it had two. Uncle Ray bought that car from Dad and raced a New 1955 Ford for titles and won. He kept it for a few day then returned it back to his friend.

Hudsons can become a habit. After all your sons will want to have their own Hudson. Also, another excuse for the wife may be she needs on too. On & on & on. he he. My 9 year old grandson want one of mine.

I hear your excitement and the hunt is on. Your Hudsons are out there waiting. Good hunting.

Lee O'Dell

Russ and Lisa,

Thanks for the invitation, We might be able to make it.

Rob

Lee, and Russ,

Thank you for the stories and encouragement!

I'm looking at/considering several cars right now, but am hesitating.

If someone here has a lead on a decent car, and feels I would make a good caretaker, I would be most grateful for for any help offered.
I'm really set on an automatic. I like the 48-53 body styles, 4 door preferred, but coupes are pretty nice too.
I realize automatics didn't come on most...but in case someone put an automatic in a 49, it would be ok.
As long as we can get 3 adults and two child seats in it, it will work!
Dull paint, old interior is okay. Good dependable drivetrain and well maintained mechanically is important.
Old and the way they were makes me smile.
Having a trailer hitch already installed would be like a miracle, but I can install one.
The boys want to go camping, and I'm ready too!
If anyone wonders about me, most any answer can be found on my Web page, here; http://48rob.yuku.com/directory

Thanks!

Rob

This probably wasn't the thread where we were talking about the Mandaly Ivory, but, you know, that color is really hard to beat on a Hudson. I think this is just beautiful:

Russell,

Sorry about the slow response...we've been out camping (and looking at Hudson's).

That color sure is nice! 🙂

Rob

Was reading your Summertime Adventure on your website - you are one of "us". One of my other interests, besides all things Hudson, is traveling the roads less traveled, as the poet says. There's a bunch of us out there that love to drive the old U S highways - we're called roadies!!! If you moved to New Zealand you would be right at home - those blokes think nothing of a 300 mile run over gravel roads in the out back. Aussies are just as crazy.
Now all you have to do is find a nice little Essex or Hudson of the 1920's era and you'll be all set for that nostalgic run down old 66, or wherever. And tell the little woman not to be afraid of riding on the roads you pictured in your story - that's the type of roads your roadster was built to ride on.

Hudsonly,
AlexB

I'm a Half-Roadie. Gravel roads in my Hudson . . . ummmm, pass. State and US Hwys, I'm there all day long. Throw in some Burma-Shave signs and I found Heaven on Earth.

Alex,

Thanks, glad to hear you enjoyed the story and that it brought up some emotion.

I own old cars to drive them...far and hard! 😉

Rob