1942 Vin Decoded?

[Deleted User]

I just bought a 1942 Hudson with the vin 207909.  Any help with the model or anything else that can be decoded from the vin?

53jetman

First two digits indicate your car is a Hudson Six, and the numbers 7909 would indicate the consecutive number off of the assembly line.

[Deleted User]

Thanks Jetman, Any way of telling the model? Deluxe, Super etc? Or does the 20 mean the base six model as well?

hudsontech

The "20" indicates a base model 1942 Hudson - there were two models; the Model 20T Traveler 6 and the Model 20P Deluxe 6.  The Deluxe was a tad more elaborate.  As I recall I think the Deluxe had, for example, vent windows while the Traveler didn't, among other things.

Both models were equipped with the 3 x 4-1/8, 175 cid engine tho some came with the 3 x 5 212 engine.  These are identified by the letter "L" between the Model and Serial Numbers, ie 20 L 1234. Both models were offered in 2-Dr Sedan, a 4-Pass. Club Coupe, and a 5-Pass. Sedan.  In addition the 20T was offered in a 3-Pass. Coupe and the 20P was offered in a 6-Pass. Convertible Sedan.

Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN

[Deleted User]

With all that being said, it looks like I have a Six Deluxe. Thank you guys for all the help.

hudsontech

Looks like a 3-Pass. Coupe - the rear seat being such that the passenger sits across the back instead of forward like the front seats. 

Hudsonly,
Alex B

[Deleted User]

It has a full back seat, with very limited leg room.

ski4life65

Looks like a nice ride.

[Deleted User]

Thanks,  It's sitting on a 55 Chevy frame with a 350 motor and a 700r4 trans. It needs some work but I love the look.  It will be nice to have a car that I won't see another one of at the gas station or in the state from what I can see lol.

hudsontech

That then would be a 4 Passenger Club coupe.  It's a tad cramped due to the short 113" wb.  Don't say you won't see another at the gas station or the state - about then they'll start coming out of the wood lots!!!  LOL
I like seeing Hudsons like this - looks stock but has the drive train to be an interstate cruiser.  Make everybody wonder what in the world!!!!    Some friends of mine in Illinois started out with a '37 coach body on a, as I recall, 4-wd International chassis.

Hudsonly,
Alex B

[Deleted User]

If you know anyone with some stock trim I would definately be interested.  It came with a trunk full that I haven't sorted yet but i'm pretty sure its missing some.

[Deleted User]

If you know anyone with some stock trim I would definately be interested.  It came with a trunk full that I haven't sorted yet but i'm pretty sure its missing some.

JFromm

I have some stainless trim, but don't know if is from a coupe. Maybe some pieces are the same.
Videoman

53jetman

It looks to me like your car has all the trim on it that it came out of the factory with, considering this was a low priced car in the day - it looks pretty sharp to me as it is