Getting a Hudson good idea/bad idea

[Deleted User]

So I just found a 42 Hudson coupe on Craigslist in my area and it looks to be in ok shape... I'm not sure this is the car for me but it has me thinking.
I bought a 72 beetle in high school back in 1999. it was a comprimise, cheap and easy to work on but still with a tiny bit of late 30's era feel to the styling. I still have it and I finally have the means to get some much needed restoration done (rust repair and paint) but I'm thinking of ditching it for something more interesting preferably something like a 30's or later Hudson. Is this a good idea? I like getting my hands dirty in the mechanical and electrical stuff but don't enjoy the hunting for parts. Will I find getting parts to be painful? Should I just be satisfied with my uninteresting little bug that runs reliably and has replacements available for every part?

commodorecollector

1942 Hudson's are some of the rarest out there since they were only in production till February prior to the US enter the war. Parts wise, they are up there with 1936, 1939 Hudson years but I do think they share some parts with the 40 and 41' models possibly even 46-47 since the body style did not change much.
I also recommend you join Hudson Essex Terraplane if you decide to purchase the 1942 Hudson, since there are a lot of members that can help you out finding parts you need.
Keep us posted on your decision!
Christopher

[Deleted User]

Also curious is this one of those cars where rare means money pit not valuable?
hartford.craigslist.org/cto/3686448574.html
I almost bought a beater 65 jeep gladiator last fall just to have a truck to haul stuff. then found out they're worth less than $5,000 fully restored because everyone wants the ford or chevy and forgot jeep made trucks.

commodorecollector

That one looks familiar... http://nh.craigslist.org/cto/3669809536.html
I remember it being listed a few months ago for 8500, so it has came down a little in price. The seller also had listed a 1930 Chrysler but I by the looks of it, it has sold.
No No! These cars once restored are very valuable! I wish I could tell you more, but I personally do not know very much about these Hudson's in particular. I know more about the later step-down years and the pre-war 1936 and 1937 years.

stbryson

Hello,

The grille and hood ornament look to be 1947 Hudson. Maybe just the front clip is from a 1947 Hudson? The instrument panel and steering wheel look like 1942 Hudson. If the owner would give you the serial number, someone here on the Forum could tell you the year of the body at least.

Take care,

Steve Bryson

Jon B

The parts won't be so difficult (unless you are looking for brand-new chrome or sheet metal, which has pretty much dried up). But I cannot in truth tell you that once you've poured your life blood and treasure into this car, it is going to be worth a fortune. If you want a fixer-upper that will turn you a profit, you will have to do some pretty careful analysis of the market trends out there. Frankly, most of us with Hudsons bought them because we like the styling and we enjoy driving them, and if we don't lose too much money when selling them we're happy! A few models (like pickups, convertibles, station wagons, Hollywood Hornets, etc.) have the potential to be moneymakers when restored, but if you really want a big profit you should look elsewhere.

The VW has the advantage of still being relatively new (compared with a '42) and as you say, parts and service are still easy to come by. And the VW is of modern design, meant to be driven down the interstate at highway speeds. A '42 (or a '46-7, which I suspect it really is) won't be very good for high speed driving (unless you install an overdrive transmission) and like all older cars, it will need more maintenance (lubrication, alignment, etc.). But if it's for "local" use it should be okay and, remember, these cars were used daily when new, and driven long distances.

I think you basically have to ask yourself what you are looking for? If you already have an everyday driver and you want something to fool around with on weekends, then something from the 30's or 40's is fine. Most of all, be sure you like the styling and the body type. You don't want to start sinking big time and money in this only to discover that you really wanted a '39 Hudson or (gasp!) a Ford. And again, if you are looking primarily for something you can re-sell later and make some money, you will need to do a great deal of research.

PAULARGETYPE

THERE IS A 42 HUDSON SUPER 6 COUPE IN MY AREA ALSO WE WENT AND LOOKED 2 FALLS AGO IT CRANKED AND ALMOST STARTED ( I THINK IT WAS OUT OF GAS AND WE DID NOT HAVE ANY STARTING FULID BUT THE BATTERY WAS UP SO IT HASN'T SAT LONG THEY WERE ASKING $5000 ANY ON INTERESTED EMAIL ME AT HETHUDSON1957@AOL.COM DROP THE HET

super-six

Beware of those ads that say "easy restoration". If it were easy, it would have been done.

[Deleted User]

Interests in Hudson to some of us, according to some of our wives, is a sickness. If you are worried about being upside down on costs I would reccommend something else. Alot of us wanted something else beside a bellybutton car and some because of family history with Hudsons. The Hudson club is one of closest thing to family of any car club you will find. Of course like all families there are a few black sheep. LOL Good luck on what you decide and if you go with the Hudson you will find alot of help by being a member of HET.

Park_W

I agree with 1951 above. One thing we Hudson owners enjoy is to see the amount of interest our Hudson(s) create at a local cruise-in or a larger show. One rarely sees Hudsons at these events, so a nice one will attract a lot of lookers. A '42 coupe would certainly do that. It's a great body style. The pic is of my Hornet at the Hilton Head, SC, Concours d'Elegance last November.

hudsontech

I'll echo 51Hornet - HET is a family that happens to love old Hudsons. I won't go into the why's and wherefores but my marriage fell apart after 40 years - a lady in the club told me "you always have your Hudson family." So true, so true.
I've been a member for over 40 years (longer than the marriage!!!) and not regretted a single day. For most of those years I've not had a Hudson car, so I direct my energies in other ways to help my fellow Hudson folks. Not having a car hasn't made a bit of difference to just about everyone in the club. I have never felt lack of a car meant I was an outsider. The Hudson club welcomes everyone, car or not.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

Browniepetersen

I am not sure why we do these Hudson's. Most of what has been said above it true. I will say, it needs to be a labor of love because only the rare and multitalented make any money at it. I like bringing a car that is or has not run in some time back on the road. I like the tinkering. And, I have a lot of friends that I would not have if it were not for the cars. All this, and the HET group is like a large family. On our home page it says come for the cars and stay for the people. There is a lot of truth to this comment. I guess in the end it is about all these things... Got to go, I am having lunch with a bunch of Hudson friends.

Geoff

If you want an investment, try the stock exchange! If you want to make friends through a great club, and drive a car with personality, go for a Hudson!

[Deleted User]

If you want a challenge and have lots of time this is a cool project to take on. You are sure to find much enjoyment when you have the car on the road. One thing is for sure, not to many of these on the road. Welcome!!!

SuperDave

If you want to restore, maintain and drive an old car from a catalog.. get a Chevy. Hudsons can be a challange. Most folks are not up to it..

54SuperWasp

This is all so true! Around 3 years ago, getting in the HET Club changed completely my life. Bought my first Hudson, a 54 Super Wasp sedan to be restored, and a 53 as a parts car. Went to most of my local (3 hours away) Québec chapter meetings, entered the New-England Chapter 6 months ago. Attended 2 regionals, 1 National, running ( with no chance) for Eastern Regional next July, improving my english from day to day. Was able to meet some of the east coast forum guys and can't wait to meet west coast ones in San Mateo. Had a lot of tips and information from all the great guys here. Can't find that anywhere else! Go for it! Michel