How to determine the exact model

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I am having trouble determining the exact model i'm restoring. As far as I can see, it is a Hudson 1940, 4 door sedan, six cylinder engine. From pictures I fount all over the internet, it is impossible to determine what model it is as all the pictures vary (some vehicles have indicators, etc).

The cars does not have a serial number - bummer!

Is there any other way to determine the model?

Thanks
Dewald

Terraplane33

I still have a long way to go before being a 'hard-boiled Hudson pro' so I can"t help at all, but this is a very nice sedan !

oldhudsons

there should be a VIN plate affixed to the RF door post & the 1st 2 digits gives you the model #.
From the appearance of your car I believe it is a model 41 & not the shorter w.b. Traveler series which is a model 40

Jon B

Assuming the metal tag has been removed from the windshield pillar (down where the door hinges are), there are two possible places to find the serial number. Luckily, your car is up on a trailer where this will be easy to do.

1) get under the passenger's side, just aft of the front wheel, and inspect the frame rail there (in the area between where the front body mount is, and where the front axle is. Take a wire brush with you. Either on the top or the outer face of the rail you'll find the number stamped into the metal.

2). Get under the back of the car, again on the passenger's side. Look on top of the axle housing, in the area between the passenger's side wheel, and the differential. You may have to wire brush all that surface rust away.

No guarantee it's in either place, but Hudson repeated the chassis serial number in these two places in the 1930's so there's a fair chance that 1940 would have them too.

Once you get the number, we can tell you what model you have. You may need to show these numbers to the authorities, in order to get a title for the car.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the great tips.

I spent some time looking for the serial number and eventually found a small piece of masking tape that was thoroughly painted. Fiddling with it, I discovered the serial number metal tag!




Thanks again!
Dewald