1948 Hudson Commodore Eight

The Commodore was the largest and most luxurious model produced by Hudson at the time.  Though the production period was paused from January 1942 through August 1945 due to the War, an all-new aerodynamic design was introduced for 1948, representing one of the first newly designed postwar automobiles when the hunger for new cars was hotter than ever. This example has covered just 27,000 miles since 1948 and has won a first-place award in every car show it has been entered in.

Since the company was founded in 1909, Hudson always aimed to offer the latest technology and design advancements in their cars.  The third generation of Commodores was introduced in 1948, marking the first year of Hudson’s trademarked “monobuilt” or “step-down” construction. Third-generation Hudsons were designed in part by Betty Thatcher, the first female designer to ever be employed by a car manufacturer.

The Commodore utilized a strong semi-unit body with a perimeter frame that runs around it entirely. This unique design requires passengers to step down into their vehicles. The design was beneficial for Hudson on multiple levels; it provided passengers with extra protection because they were surrounded by the frame, and it allowed for weight savings, and therefore overall money savings, as it required less metal in production. The clever design also lowered both the floor and the roofline, which significantly improved the Commodore’s aerodynamics. The addition of the “step-down” body resulted in a 50% sales jump for Hudson in 1948.

The car currently on display is almost entirely original, having undergone only one repaint in its original Quartermaster Grey color, and no restorations. It’s equipped with almost every available factory option, including an overdrive, a windshield visor with a traffic light prism, chrome side window visors, a tissue dispenser, a rear window wiper, window blinds, reversing lamps, and fender skirts and chrome hubcaps.

Specifications:

• Engine: 254.5 cu in Inline-Eight (4.2L)

• Transmission: 4-Speed Manual, Column Shift

• Power: 128 hp @ 4200 RPM, 269 Nm

• Torque: 198 ft lbs @ 1600 RPM

• Length: 207.5 in

• Width: 77.1 in

• Height: 60.4in

• Wheelbase 124 in

• Weight: 3825 lbs

• Speed: 0-60, 15.8 sec

• Top Speed: 91 mph

• Fuel Economy: 16.8 mpg