Needing information on a couple '54 Hudsons

arwalker

I saved these two cars from the junk yard when the guy I work for wanted to get rid of them. I love old cars but I don't know much about Hudsons which is why I'm looking to get some information on them. What I do know, is that one is a 1954 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop and the other is a four door 1954 Hudson Hornet Sedan. They both have the original in-line 6 cylinder engines. Everything is still original and complete on the cars except for a few missing chrome trim pieces. Any additional information about these cars including the value on them would be great. I'm also looking to sell these cars because I'm still in college and don't have the time or money to restore these cars myself but didn't want to see them get crushed either. Thank you in advance. 

scottcrow22

Where are you located?
Thanks!
Scott

arwalker

Jamestown, Kansas

Browniepetersen

neither car would be considered as rare in the collector hobby even though it was the last year of production for the Hudson Motor car company (sold to American Motors in April of 1954).  Since Hudson cars have the unibody construction, rust is a major consideration for value.  Both of these cars would be judged as parts cars with a lot of the parts not usable or missing.  Not many would considered them candidates for restoration.  If you disassembled the car and sold the parts you would gain more value.  As they are, in my opinion, you would be hard pressed to get a thousand bucks for either one.

bull_islander

There are certainly parts on those cars that some folks would get some use out of.  You just need to find someone close enough that would be interested.  This board is a good start to garner some interest and if you aren't in too big of a hurry, you can also have an ad placed in the Hudson club magazine which comes out every two months.  Someone here can help you with that if you're interested.

As mentioned the undersides are a major concern.  Also be sure to take a peek in the trunks.  A previous owner could have put some good parts in there.

Nevada Hudson

As long as the frame is not rusted out, the Hollywood looks very restorable to me.

Glowplug

Both cars are restoration candidates. Our chapter president liked the lines of a 54 Hornet sedan he found in a Tx field. After months of work his car is completely restored to road worthy status . This car made a trouble free round trip from Austin TX to Colorado Springs. If nothing else price them to allow a person to restore them.

duncan

I wish I had this Hollywood when I found our car. This car is 80 % better than our car was .  Ray

duncan

Needs some hubcaps pass side door ss trim needs straightening  front bumper some tlc hood ornament and front grill emblem needs to be found. and Hornet and Hollywood emblems to be found.. Beautiful shape .. Ray

RL Chilton

I always tell folks that any 2DR is worth saving.  I think the Hollywood (2DR) is a restoration candidate.  The 4 DR could be saved, but is probably better utilized to be parts, unless it has sentimental value.  

Jon B

It was good of you to save the cars, and you probably don't want to get involved in parting them out (this is rather time-consuming), so selling them complete, as parts cars, is probably your best bet.

You've done the right thing by coming here and posting them.  I'll put a link to your ad in our other online forum (at the Hudson club's website). 

Meanwhile, I would suggest you post the cars on your local Craigslist and in our national Hudson magazine, The White Triangle News.  If you e-mail me, I believe I can arrange for the ad in the WTN to be carried free, as a "lead" from me (a Club member).  Do that immediately; the ad deadline was October 1, but possibly they can still fit you in.  The next issue comes out mid-November and if you miss that, you have to wait til the mid-January issue!  E-mail me for instructions:  XXXdetailed@verizon.net (delete the XXX before sending).

I'd set a reasonable price like $500 or best offer, per car, just to "move" them....unless you have the luxury of storage space and unlimited time, in which case you can ask a higher price, then just sit back and wait to see what offers come in.   With luck you'll get more than junk value, and you'll have the satisfaction of having seen these cars (or at least their parts) preserved.

Or, you could advertise parts and then strip them off and ship them to the buyers.  Then junk the carcass.  That may bring more money but it will take some work, and some time.

If you want to, you could put an ad in Hemmings Motor News but that is going to cost you money, unlike the first two ideas.

arwalker

Thank you everyone for the information!
You've all been very helpful and have given me a lot to think about. Angie

[Deleted User]

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Dustyheaton

Hudson original hubcaps. Make offer. I dont have 4 matching ones

PaulButler

@Dustyheaton,

I've put a copy of your Hubcap post in the Parts & Pieces section as well

Jon B

Dusty (and everyone), please refer to the newly-posted version of this under Parts and Pieces.  This hubcap discussion deserves its own separate discussion, but as it's now posted, it's going to get lost under the "Information Needed On '54 Hudsons" discussion.

Here is a direct link to the new location:  http://openforum.hetclub.org/discussion/168705/hudson-hubcaps-for-sale#latest

PaulButler

Thanks Jon; why didn't I think of that!

Link also posted across in the HET forum as well

Hudson Grandpa

That hardtop is absolutely a restorable candidate. I would surmise the frame isn't too bad being in Kansas. Wisconsin or Minnesota, Iowa different ball of wax.  All the stainless is there and in pretty good condition, has backup lights. How many hardtops left. Yeah it's going to take a bunch of moola, but you will have a hardtop, which not too many people have. One in how many?