What's a Hornet worth?

dwardo99

I'm not having a lot of luck selling my 1954 Super Wasp (see "Vehicles"), so I'm toying with buying it back from the estate, which puts me in the position of buying my own car back, but that's the way this is going. I can't justify doing that unless I sell my Hornet, which I might do anyway. I'm wondering what realistic prices are now days. It's a 1953 Hornet Sedan with tinted glass. The good news: presentable body and paint, interior replaced (not stock), good running 308 and hydramatic. Power brakes by way of a Bendix Hydrovac. Drives well, stops straight, steers well, all that stuff is good and it's been to the Auburn, Indiana and Massachusetts national meets without issues. A lot of new stuff like brakes, (everything replaced including steel lines), shocks, sway bar links, center pivot, etc. The bad news: it needs rust repair to the front perimeter frame behind the front wheels, and the while it has new floor pans up front, it wasn't a very good job. So, to be a really solid car it needs some work underneath. Any opinions?   

Jon B

Ed, I feel like we've had this conversation before, so please forgive me if I've forgotten -- but have you tried Craigslist and Ebay (setting a purposely higher price than you can get, just to test the waters) and even Hemmings?  It seems astounding to me that you've gotten so little interest on that car, it really deserves better.  Have you been advertising it "out there" to The Great Unwashed, or just mostly to Hudson people?

dwardo99

I really don't want it to escape from the club, but I don't mind putting it on Craigslist. We have had the conversation and I don't mind at all, I just didn't think it would be necessary. It's not a bad car at all, so I figured somebody would be interested. 

Park_W

Jon, what are the usual precautions for selling on Craigslist?

Jon B

Park, I suppose that there is some on-line list of cautions to observe when advertising on Craigslist.  I have bought a lot of things from CL but sold only one (a sleeper sofa) and that transaction went effortlessly.  Cars may be a different matter of course.

Ed,  none of us want to risk losing a car from the world of Hudson lovers, but the best-case reward to that risk is that a newbie (from the outside world) buys the car and becomes a rabid Hudsonite like the rest of us.  I believe there is a fair amount of interest "out there" in Hudsons.  Especially when they are in decent condition at a reasonable price, like yours. And the buyer is a potential new recruit to the world of Hudsoning.

Besides, like "Doc" says (above), most of us (Club members) are fairly maxxed out. We have more than enough spare Hudsons needing restoration.  Enough for several lifetimes.  So, advertising to just Hudson people alone, may not produce much.

Though none of us like the idea of our beloved Hudsons falling into unloving and unappreciative hands, the alternative is that the cars remain in a small, elite group that becomes ever-smaller year after year.  The growth of our group lies with new members who bring energy and enthusiasm with them.  And the only way for them to get a Hudson is if one is available for them to buy!

keithfullmeryahoocom

Where are you located?   Can I get more info about your car, with pictures.   Email me if you like...keith

dwardo99

I'm in White Marsh, which is the first exit north of the Baltimore beltway (695). Which car are you interested in, the Hornet or the Wasp? I can send you pix. You can call me at 410-615-2615. Thanks.