1949 Hudson Commodore Series 491 Club Coupe

When Hudson introduced the Step Down Design it was a breakthrough for American automobiles. The unibody construction provided a sleek outline, greater body rigidity, increased interior space and a lower center of mass than other cars of the era. These cars were known as stepdowns because the floor of the cabin was welded to the bottom side of frame rails so to enter the car one stepped over the frame and down into the car.

For consignment, a low slung aerodynamic bullet if you will in the form of a 3 owner 1949 Hudson Commodore Club Coupe. 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, a big exterior metal sun visor and of course that sleek extruded look from head to toe. Well maintained and looking good...prepare yourself for a glorious new kind of ride!

Exterior
Rounded steel panels are all draped in 2 tone blue paint and looking good with the gap minding and overall condition of the paint. However, we do note some scratches, chips, and paint pops, but what does not appear is invasive 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 steel visor in dark blue shades the split windscreen and it\'s perfectly period correct as is the optional Hudson chrome dressed spotlight. Accentuating the lines of this car are some stainless trimmings on either side that lead back to a wonderful body line that delineated the lower dark blue from the upper lighter blue. These highlight the curves of the car as well, with a finale in back of the rounded trunk and rear of this vehicle. On the back is an oval for the rear glass, two large chrome bezel taillights in shield format and a big badge for the middle of the trunk lid. A bumper below is showing some scratching on the bumper guards. 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\" standard blue powder coated wheels with shiny dog dish wheel covers.

Interior
And now for something completely different, we see door panels that have more of the two-tone blue with a marbled finish to the vinyl. The center of the panel, in darker blue houses the door actuator and window crank as well as the blue vinyl covered armrest. A deep sill midway into this panel we can see a stainless pane with a built-in ashtray. The lower and upper parts of the door is a lighter blue vinyl panel and the windowsills are wood applique and show with minor wear. Inside, the seating is showing more of the marbled darker blue vinyl with light blue piping and deeply inset buttons. In back another bench is noted matching the split front bench perfectly. Upfront is a very nice original dash finished above and below in a darker wood applique matching the door trim and in the central panel is a lighter applique which compliments the dash face splendidly. Some light wear to the finish is noted but nothing irreparable. Typical of Hudson\'s theory on design, the gauge cluster is located in the center panel, along with the radio, another ashtray, and a clock both round and black faced with 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 the heater knobs and ignition switch. This amazing dash is fronted by the original steering wheel with a burl applique horn button and dark blue spokes. A nice tight marbled blue vinyl headliner is above and below the floors are flooded with slightly soiled deep pile blue 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. Our consignor notes that a new water pump and 160 degree thermostat was installed along with a cooling flush and pressure test. Also, the transmission and rear differential fluid was changed.

Undercarriage
Suspension is independent coil springs, and leaf springs and brakes 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 newer single stainless steel exhaust system with a Solo muffler is now on and ends with a stainless Hudson deflector tip. Our consignor notes that the entire brake system was gone through with a new master cyl

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