Choice of Three - Which would you pick to restore?

RBM

I have an opportunity to pick one of three Hudsons to restore.  I've been trying to do a little research on the vins to better understand exactly what I'm looking at and I figured that I'd just put this out there to a group who knows a lot more than me....  My gut is to go with the 1950 Commodore Six (it appears in the best shape - body and interior wise) , but would appreciate any opinions of others who know and care about these cars!  I'd hate to pass on something because I don't have any prior Hudson experience!

The first one is a Commodore Six - I believe that it's a 1950 (Vin #50216056)

The second is a 1949 - (Vin #49163764)

The third is a 1948? and has some body damage on the door - the vin was hard to read off the passenger door panel, but I think it was #483110308

I'm eager to hear what you might think!  Thanks

lostmind

Really hard to judge by the photos posted.

All else being equal , the 50 Commodore would be my choice.

If you're doing a complete restore , it doesn't matter on which has the better interior to start with if it's going to be replaced.

Quadster

If they all are 4 doors I'd go with the 50--If one was a 2 door I'd choose that one over all.

ken1962

Simple - it's the one you dream about and the one which makes your heart race abit - dont get stuck with the one you don't love in 20 years time - the laws of car restoration is the one you love is the most difficult and worst rusted piece of crap which will drive you insane until you get it right :-)

SuperDave

I vote for the 48

Per

Which dashboard do you like the best? If you drive the car a lot, that'll be what you look at the most!

50C8DAN

I am partial to '50s and 8s, but a '48 S8 is as has been noted, the rarest of the bunch and may be worth more in the end.  It is of course the first year for the stepdown as well.

allan

I say take all 3 and live a little!

Allan

RBM

Thank you so much!  You've given me some great things to think about.  The '50 was apparently bought new by my grandfather while he bought the other two cars used (not so important at this stage)  He was a chauffeur in his early career and I know that he loved the '50 (might have been the only new car that he ever bought) and it was probably the best cared for.  He also had a 1940 Hudson that he actually bought at the estate auction of the man for whom he drove and my father is working on that one.   

The comments are definitely making me lean to the '48 now though.  I like history and the being a "first" is cool (to me) I also read up a little and I'm assuming that Betty Thatcher was involved in the '49 and '50 styling because the '48 has a very different dash.  Not so worried about the dash, but I like the idea that a lady was involved in the styling of the later cars.  As someone graciously pointed out, it's a matter of heart, right?

One more picture of the '50 since you are so observant - I'd hate to miss out on any other comments or observations!!  You guys are a huge help - thanks!

lostmind

Keep in mind , the 8cyl engine costs much more to rebuild then the 6cyl.

If a rebuild is needed.

dave11

Tell us about Betty Thatcher, can't say I recognize that name

Jon B

Didn't she become the prime minister of England eventually?  Or was that Becky Thatcher?

Nevada Hudson

Jon B said:

Didn't she become the prime minister of England eventually?  Or was that Becky Thatcher?

That was Margaret Thatcher.

ken1962

She was when alive famous to correct people in addressing her - it's Baroness Margaret Thatcher :-)

Kdancy

At the end of the day I would take a very good look at each ones body and particularly the parameter frames. Look for popping rust coming out from the quarters and doors. Unless you have a personal preference, I would go with the best condition body. That is where your time and money will be spent. The drive train can be dealt with easier than the body even if you go with the 8 cylinder which, as noted, will cost more to rebuild then the 6cyl.
If all things are equal, my personal preference is the 50, with the 48 a close second.  
http://s294.photobucket.com/user/studebaker2/library/Larry Burkes 1953 Hornet Sedan?sort=3&page=1

bull_islander

Take the one you have the strongest attachment too!

Also know that all the doors are the same.  If you like the 48 and it has a bad door, then hopefully the family will let you swap that door with one from one of the others.  Then pull the panels off and swap them so the right panel stays with the right car.  Same is true with the fenders.  Swap a good one with a bad one if you need.

33kc1989

What Kdancy said.