54 hudson hornet special, a couple questions.

Unknown

I just got a 53 Hudson hornet special. I was curious as to what the "Special" actually indicated? it only has one carb, the car is complete and needs restoration the chrome is all there, it started and ran, the dash is beautiful needs body and paint work. what is a good estimation of value? should I do any restoration to it, or just leave it and sell it as is? here is a pic





gqsmoothy73@aol.com

Michael

harry54

Good Morning Bodyman,

What you have there is a 54 Hornet Special. They only made the Hornet Special in 54 as they were trying to sell Hornet's at a reduced price to be more competitive and move inventory. This was because they already new that they were merging with Nash to form AMC in 1955. What they did is use the interior from the Wasp and didn't use the same Chrome treatment from the full priced Hornet Model to reduce the price.

As far as what you want to do with the car you have options. Is there any rust in the frame , as these cars have a unibody construction and the structural integrity of the car can be comprimised if the frame rails have issues. If this is the case I reccommend putting the least amt of money into the car and tune and drive. You'll be amazed at the road manners these cars have. If the underneath of the car is in good shape I would clean and paint and not go to crazy on the cost of the paint job . This is a 4door and #1 shape it would be worth 20,000. Good luck

464Saloon

Had to look when I saw 53 Special as they were only made in 54. The pic is definately of a 54. Harry 54 is right on with his post. Good luck, it is a pretty rare bird.

Unknown

Well Maybe it is a 54, The seller told me it was a 53, I will be bringing the car home next week and will have the paperwork then. what do you think the value is "as is", I have so many other projects I dont know if I will find time to get anything done on this.

hudsontech

It is a '54 - the serial number should start with "6D" followed by the actual serial number. Serial numbers for 1954 started with xx-269060.



My General Specifications web site will give you all sorts of great info:

http://groups.msn.com/HudsonGeneralSpecifications/



Hudsonly

Alex B

[Deleted User]

I'm no expert but I can say that if it has a solid main frame and perimeter frame then you'll be doing good especially since in runs. If it really needs alot of frame repair then your value has been flushed down the toilet. Value? Good frame- $3500 ish? Bad frame, running engine and part out- $1,500 to 2000 ish? Hard to say... and depends on how handy AND where the buyer is. Cost of shipping a project car can kill a deal quickly.

[Deleted User]

If the paperwork says it's a 53, someone made a mistake in typing, over the years. The picture you posted is a 1954, that body style was only used one year!

[Deleted User]

boozer wrote:

If the paperwork says it's a 53, someone made a mistake in typing, over the years. The picture you posted is a 1954, that body style was only used one year!

Had a similar problem on my old Harley knucklehead. Someone had put "Pan" heads on it (a common upgrade) and it was titled as a 1952, for many years it appeared. But, since my engine number and the Motor Vehicle Dept. books agreed with me that it was a 1941, they changed the registration and title to the correct year.

Jay

[Deleted User]

Well, "in fact" it is a '54, no doubt about it. That was the only year for a one-piece windsheild, and that fender treatment. "By law" it is whatever it says on the title. At this stage it probably doesnt really matter as long as the title's clean, I guess. However, since '54's were unique, the car is worth preserving, even as a parts car. Try to link up with the local Hudson club and get some good advice before taking action. Since the rocker panels were particularly prone to rusting, this one looks, from this photo anyway, like it might be pretty good. They really are great to drive, and almost any chassis parts from '53 to '48 will also fit your car. Get in the club and have fun with it.....