1948 Hudson Super Six

For consignment, a low slung curvaceous bullet if you will in the form of a 1948 Hudson Super Six 481. Everywhere you look there are curved lines and rounded over surfaces for this beautifully designed car. Adorned with all the proper trimmings, plenty of stainless moldings on the side and around the glass. Purchased by our consignor in 1984 and maintained and enjoyed during his tenure, and proudly offered for your consideration...\"Here\'s the car they said was years away!\"

Exterior
Rounded steel panels are all draped in an older respray of black paint, however, we do note some scratches, chips, paint pops and surface rust. A big grille leads the way and has a massive bumper below showing some wear and slight scratches and marring. A bulbous hood melts seamlessly into the front fenders which make their way rearward forming dual aerodynamic shaped doors and corresponding curved windows just above. A large split windscreen gives a great view of the road ahead and accentuating the lines of this car is a swooping body line along with stainless steel trimming along the rockers and small rear wheel skirts. A finale in back of the rounded trunk and rear of this vehicle with an oval for the rear glass, two large chrome bezel tail lights in shield format, and a big badge for the middle of the trunk lid. A bumper below is showing well and a shout out to the wonderful design, right down to the door handles and stainless window trimmings. Wide whites complete our tour and wrap 15\" black wheels with shiny standard issue Hudson wheel covers.

Interior
With a swing of the door we see door panels that are covered in beige broadcloth and a 3 dimensional inset with a chrome mid panel sill. These panels hold the door actuator and window crank as well as the tan vinyl covered armrest. Minor wear and soiling is seen on these panels but they remain intact. Inside, the seating is shown in non original tan cord broadcloth for both the front and rear benches. Upfront is a very nice original dash finished above and below in a dark wood applique presents with some wear off of the material. Typical of Hudson\'s theory on design, the gauge cluster is located in the center panel, along with the radio, an ashtray, and a clock both round and black faced with creamy white numerals and pointers. Nice horizontal black and chrome spears on the outboard sides add depth to this dash, meanwhile down below is a shiny chrome spear holding various bakelite knobs and the ignition switch. This amazing dash is fronted by the original cream bakelite steering wheel with its chrome horn ring. The original tan mohair headliner is above and below the floors are flooded with newer caramel brown carpeting.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, within the unrestored engine bay sits a 262ci L-head inline 6-cylinder engine. It is fed by a rebuilt 1-barrel carburetor, and there is a 3-speed manual transmission on the back. The rear axle weighs in at 4.10 for the gear ratio. Plenty of patina and dirt abound under this hood, along with an oil bath air filter system prior to the carburetor.

Undercarriage
Suspension is independent coil springs, and leaf springs and brakes, new in 2022, are drums all around. A perfect mix of patina, black paint and surface rust make up this underside, but no invasive rust is noted. A single exhaust system is seen that will need a new muffler and we note a new stainless steel fuel tank.

Drivability
My crack decoder and partner in crime took the reins for this drive as I was out and about that day. He reported that the car fired right off with a small twist of the key and the exhaust note was music to his ears. This Super Six idles very smoothly, drives very well, has good acceleration, and exhibits bias free braking. All functions were working on the drive, but he did report some looseness in the front end.

A step down design unibody car remaining rust free and looking good the whole while. An older repaint with areas of blemishing, but the trimmings are shiny and show some light pitting and beginnings of rust on the chrome plating. Very good condition for this example of the 1948 Super Six 481 and the forward-thinking designers at Hudson.

Read More

Read Less