Help a newbie out - questions about Hudsons vs. Packard
I've owned vintage cars before (currently a MoPar man, I own two Dodge's and one Valiant). But recently, I've considered defecting from Chrysler products, and embracing a new auto marque as my hobby.
Through my observations of style, function and engineering, I've determined I would like to own both a Hudson and a Packard. But right now, I will only consider one. I'm zeroing in on the 1948 Commodore Eight 4 door sedan as my Hudson of choice. I love the step-down look, both inside and out and I would love the chance to own a car with a big smooth straight eight engine.
What are the pro's/con's of owning a Hudson? Do any of you happen to own a Packard as well? What are the differences and what do you like about the Hudson?
For a potential Hudson buy, I'm interested in knowing about:
1. Club support
2. Resource availability (parts)
3. Overall comparative cost (Hudson vs. Packard and other brands)
I've not yet made up my mind which car to go for, so thanks to all for the help, I appreciate the candid responses.
Happy Holidays!
Through my observations of style, function and engineering, I've determined I would like to own both a Hudson and a Packard. But right now, I will only consider one. I'm zeroing in on the 1948 Commodore Eight 4 door sedan as my Hudson of choice. I love the step-down look, both inside and out and I would love the chance to own a car with a big smooth straight eight engine.
What are the pro's/con's of owning a Hudson? Do any of you happen to own a Packard as well? What are the differences and what do you like about the Hudson?
For a potential Hudson buy, I'm interested in knowing about:
1. Club support
2. Resource availability (parts)
3. Overall comparative cost (Hudson vs. Packard and other brands)
I've not yet made up my mind which car to go for, so thanks to all for the help, I appreciate the candid responses.
Happy Holidays!
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Comments
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You'll get a lot of answers (most of them biased toward Hudsons, LOL!) but really, the thing to do would be to get out and about to some Packard and Hudson meets to actually see the cars and their owners in person. Go to a local meet of the club that serves that make of car. Get the owners to talk to you candidly about the plusses and minuses of their cars. Take a ride in some of them. Learn. Take notes. There is only so much you can do on the internet; no substitute for "real life".
Find the things to look for, when shopping for a car. The weak points, for that particular year and make. For example, in the Step-Down Hudsons, the first thing you want to look for is the condition of the underbody and unit body frame around the back wheels. If it's badly rusted there, keep looking til you find a good one. (These cars are not fated to rust. If you buy a good car and properly garage it, you won't have a problem. But previous owners of these cars may not have taken such good care of them.)0 -
What part of the country are you in? Our national meet will be in Spokane ,Wa. on Aug.2 thru Aug.6. and there are many chapter meets next summer. Maybe there's one near you.
You'll fine great support in this club, along with parts availability. Very knowledgable and helpfull bunch. Good luck with your search!
Happy Holidays to you.0 -
haveing grown up with those cars , in my opinion in 48 Hudson was comeing into it's best years, while Packard was just entering the down slide . Hudson has a better club/owner thing going for them with all the free expert advice and know how you could ask for . Both 48's are well built and a pleasure to drive with the Hudson haveing a bit of an edge due to the new stepdown body . BUD0
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I am in Los Angeles, CA.
I agree, there is no substitute for a real-life experience. I would like to drive the 48 of both brands so I can see which one I like better - I know that would tell me which one to go for, but I don't find a model of either in ready availability.
I have been to one Packard meet down here. I found the cars beautiful, but given I didn't know anyone personally, I didn't feel in the position to say "Hey, how about giving me a ride? And while you're at it, could I drive?" I know, I know. I'll figure out a way to ask.
I've looked for SoCal Hudson club meets, but other than a couple (that for timing reasons, didn't work out), I've yet to get to one.
Thanks guys, for the responses. Interested in more people's feedback. Thanks!0 -
You can't go wrong with a good Hudson and our club.0
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I'm not really sure - but I have heard around that the Packard people tend to be a bit snooty. The HET crowd, while somewhat nuts are more family oriented.
As for myself (I've said this more than once) I've been a member of a lot of clubs (never Packard tho) over the years - after 40 years of playing around this car hobby I'm still with the Hudson club. So they've got to be doing something right
And most of the time I haven't been able to afford a Hudson!!!!!! But I'm still welcomed at meets - at least nobody throwing rocks at me - yet!!!!!!!
I'l echo what rpmonroe posted - you can't go wrong with a good Hudson and our club!!!!!!!!
Comes down to this: HET club = great people = great meets = and, oh yes, great cars.
Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
HudsonTech
Memphis, TN0 -
I guess I might be a bit one sided in my choice but I am one that has owned both brands. And I have owned the same years of Packard's and of Hudson's. As far as the stepdown's go, I have had a 52 Hudson and a 50 Packard--and I would consider the experience as far as body and such as about equal. You need to be a bit more careful when selecting a Hudson and watch for rust in the places that provide support to the areas of support. Perhaps Packard would lead in that catagory, However, when you consider the stepdown as compared to the frame and body of the Packard handling becomes an issue. The stepdown Hudson is longer, wider and lower than a Packard and the ride and drive of the Hudson is more comfortable on a long distance drive. More than once I have spent 12 hours driving a Hudson with only gas and potty breaks. Drove from my Home in Utah to Lauglin Nevada and when we arrived we no worse for the wear...
I have had Packard 6's, flat head 8's and V8's and I consider the Hudson flathead 8 superior to any of the Packard engines. I have rebuilt both and I consider the mechanics of the Hudson 8 above the Packards. And when you throw in the Center Point steering of the Hudson I would be hard pressed to place the Packard in the same class. For the Packard, you can ask the man who ownes one and he will most likely lie. By the way, next time you visit a car show visit with a early Packard owner and most likely he will not talk to you.
Club support and memberships--Hudson win's hands down on both of these issues. I have been a member of both clubs over the years (dropped Packard about a dozen years ago) but I find Hudson folks to be part of my extended family.
One last comment and that is on Hot Rods, and Restorations. Try being accepted if you have a chevy 350 in your 48 Packard. Better still, most often if you have a flame job on your Packard they will not allow you to be in their car show. Hudson chose not to do judging of cars from the start. There are some who modify their Hudson's and some who restore. You will find them all at show's, tours and National meets. By the way, If I had either car you would be welcome to drop by and drive them to compare. Sorry, but I cannot help you with that. I am sure one of our local California Hudson folks can help you with that--0 -
You are not far from the SoCal chapter president, Jon Cronk. Try giving Jon a call 805 987 8187. Jon has a couple very nice Hudsons and one is for sale. There is your chance to take a test drive in a Hudson. The SoCal chapter has many get togethers all year long.
A little farther south is the California Inland Chapter. Also, with many meets throught the year. Perry Spring is president 909 460 0736. I live in Burbank, but I do not have a stepdown Hudson. Mine is a 47 Hudson pickup, a work in progress.
Both Hudson chapters have a very active group with very good people to hang out with. I'm glad to say I belong to both chapters. You are invited to participate in any of our get togethers. If interested give me a call. My name is Lee O'Dell and my phone is 818 845 2945 or email CLEESCARS@yahoo.com.
If I don't answer the phone leave a message and I will return the call ASAP.
Merry Christmas, Lee0 -
I had avoided bringing up the snooty issue among the Packard folks but since brownie already had the 00 to mention it I guess I'll second the motion
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I own a Packard and a Hudson, both cars have their good and bad points. If you are going to go to one or the other I would go with Hudson because the club is better, more support and somewhat cheaper. Good luck!0
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What a great question! But, of course you know, that all opinions here on the Hudson board are going to be biased towards our favorite marque, a HUDSON!
All of the responses so far have been dead on, in my opinion. I've had the pleasure of driving many Packards in the past and am currently the proud owner of a couple of Hudsons (with more in my future, I assure you).
Let's talk late 40's as a start for comparison. Although Packard's design lines were comparable to Hudson, similarities end there and Packard's design didn't quite "get it right" when viewed side by side with the Hudson Step-down ('course then again, nothing compares to the '48 Stepdown, because it was a radical and brand-new design at the time). In the category of performance, handling, roadability, and reliability, there is no comparison. Hudson wins hands-down in all those categories.
As far as the ride itself goes, as in comforability, I'd say Packard was an extremely smooth-riding automobile. Particularly a bit later in the fifties when they came out with the torsion suspension: Nothing "floated along as on clouds" like a Packard. That particular suspension was so different, that some people never actually got used to the ride, but there was nothing else like it, and certainly nothing "smoother". On the flip-side, the Hudson ride is right up there at the top. I've driven a Hudson across this country and would do it again in a moment's notice and the comfort was at or better than any car I've ever driven.
Packard really stands out in the social aspect. Packard was traditionally a more expensive car and the upper crust of society would more likely buy a Packard than a Hudson, especially in the 20's and 30's and up to WWII. Post war, a little less, but Packard had a great following and was still a higher echelon car than a Hudson. Hudson were more catered to what I like to call the "Country Club Crowd" type of car. Nicer than an Olds, or Buick, but not in the same class as Cadillac, Lincoln, Packard.
Probably because of that, Packard owners are still "snooty" (generally speaking) as has been mentioned.
And "family atmosphere"? No question, Hudson owners are the best group of people I've ever had the privilege of dealing with. Hudson owners help each other with their cars and with their lives. Packard owners don't want to help other Packard owners because they are afraid you'll have a better car than they do (I guess). Particularly the AACA Packard guys don't want you beating them out of their trophy.
Packard made a super-fine automobile that was upwards on the social ladder. They were generally well-engineered and highly revered by their loyal owners. Beautiful cars to boot, especially the pre-war models.
BUT, it ain't no HUDSON!!0 -
eatkinson wrote:I've owned vintage cars before (currently a MoPar man, I own two Dodge's and one Valiant). But recently, I've considered defecting from Chrysler products, and embracing a new auto marque as my hobby.
Through my observations of style, function and engineering, I've determined I would like to own both a Hudson and a Packard. But right now, I will only consider one. I'm zeroing in on the 1948 Commodore Eight 4 door sedan as my Hudson of choice. I love the step-down look, both inside and out and I would love the chance to own a car with a big smooth straight eight engine.
What are the pro's/con's of owning a Hudson? Do any of you happen to own a Packard as well? What are the differences and what do you like about the Hudson?
For a potential Hudson buy, I'm interested in knowing about:
1. Club support
2. Resource availability (parts)
3. Overall comparative cost (Hudson vs. Packard and other brands)
I've not yet made up my mind which car to go for, so thanks to all for the help, I appreciate the candid responses.
Happy Holidays!
Post this question on the Packard Forum and see how many responces you get and how long it takes my guess not many over a long period.
It does't seem to matter which country you are in [I'm in AUS.] the support & friendliness of the HET Club seems to be the same.
I was bought up on all types of cars [some you folks over there would not have heard of] but when you compare year for year HUDSON ESSEX & TERRAPLANE stack up pretty well against other brands.
If you can't decide between brands go for a HUDSON as I think the club is without a doubt THE BEST.
Spencer.0 -
I really appreciate the candid responses. Thanks everyone, and if people have more opinions to share, I welcome them.
Interesting that people here have mentioned the Packard Pride factor that I became aware of right away. I'm quite sure there are many fine, helpful, and friendly folks who own Packards, so no disrespect meant, but I prefer not to wear ascots to my car shows.
Thanks to all for filling me on the various aspects of Hudson v. Packard for 1948 in terms of issues to look for. If there are any other helpful points, please mention them.
I'm glad to know about the HET club being so strong and supportive. That's obviously a huge help when dealing with a classic car. It doesn't necessarily surprise me that Hudsons are less expensive than Packards overall, but for the step down model I like, I've never found a very cheap one in decent shape. I'd figure you still have to spend $10K+ to get a "good driver". Do people have thoughts on this?
I'm interested in Browniepetersen's comments on the Hudson straight 8 being superior to the Packard 8. I've heard story after story about Packard's 48 custom 8 356 cid 9-main bearing engine being so smooth and quiet, one can't hear it when the engine's running. But oddly, I've not heard anything about Hudson's 8. Could people tell me their experience in smoothness/quietness of the Hudson eight, and how the engines differed in construction?
Also, for the particular Hudson model I'm interested in (Commodore 8 4dr), how easy are these cars to find? I don't see many of them for sale, and again, usually never for less than $10K. Comments?
I believe the year I prefer is 1948 only...although I'm unclear: which years of Step Downs used the horizontal bar grill? Did that include 1949?
Thanks to all of you for the support you're offering already. I'm sure I'll be giving a call or two here soon enough. Lee, if you're in Burbank, that's where I work every day, so I'm closer to some of you than I knew. Fantastic!
Sorry for the long post. At least I'm enthusiastic!
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I've been fooling around with old Hudsons and Packards for a long time.. Just had my 70th birthday. OWNED and driven five different Packards and five different Hudsons. Driven many others that belonged to friends and family.. As to smoothness of the straight 8's? Packard is certainly among the best. My 49 Commodore eight would be in the same class. I could balance a new nickle on its edge on the front fender while it was at idle. Can't do that with my 49 262 six.
The difference between 48 and 49 Hudsons is not visible from the outside. Both had exactly the same exterior grille and trim. One needs to check the serial number to determine the year.. Right front door post tag..48XXXXX or 49XXXXXXX.
As far as support from others in the hobby? Hands down.. It's Hudson Period.. I hve never had a fellow Packard owner offer to give me a part I needed. Not so with Hudson. I have been on both sides of parts gifts.. It's just a completely different attitude among the Hudson folks. Not to say there arent a few that are in it for a profit. (which is not a four letter word).Most are not. Good luck on your search for a Stepdown.
Dave W. Fl.0 -
One more thing - I forgot about this one. I scanned a bunch of Hudson vs xxxx bulletins a while back - you can find one put out in July 1949, Hudson vs Packard, comparing the Packard 8 with the Hudson Super 8. Granted it's a Hudson publication, but it does a pretty good job comparing the two. You can find a copy in the On-line Library at:
http://www.hudsonterraplane.com/tech/tech_index.htm - scroll down to 1949.
Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN0 -
I have a 48 Packard and a stepdown, basically the Hudson is an all new design for 48, the Packard is still a pre-war car. Compare a 47 Hudson to a 47 Packard and I think many would say the Packard is a superior car. So you really aren't comparing "modern designs", if you find a 48 Packard in nice condition I wouldn't discount it, but in reality the club is what makes the old car experience for most of us. And the best club, by far, is the HET. Have fun.0
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hudsontech wrote:One more thing - I forgot about this one. I scanned a bunch of Hudson vs xxxx bulletins a while back - you can find one put out in July 1949, Hudson vs Packard, comparing the Packard 8 with the Hudson Super 8. Granted it's a Hudson publication, but it does a pretty good job comparing the two. You can find a copy in the On-line Library at:
http://www.hudsonterraplane.com/tech/tech_index.htm - scroll down to 1949.
Hudsonly,
Alex Burr
Memphis, TN
Alex,
Great comparison. It took me a minute to find it. If you just look at the figures and do not factor in the experience and the people--Hudson has the best numbers. Don't know how you argue with that....0 -
eatkinson wrote:I really appreciate the candid responses. Thanks everyone, and if people have more opinions to share, I welcome them.
Interesting that people here have mentioned the Packard Pride factor that I became aware of right away. I'm quite sure there are many fine, helpful, and friendly folks who own Packards, so no disrespect meant, but I prefer not to wear ascots to my car shows.
Thanks to all for filling me on the various aspects of Hudson v. Packard for 1948 in terms of issues to look for. If there are any other helpful points, please mention them.
I'm glad to know about the HET club being so strong and supportive. That's obviously a huge help when dealing with a classic car. It doesn't necessarily surprise me that Hudsons are less expensive than Packards overall, but for the step down model I like, I've never found a very cheap one in decent shape. I'd figure you still have to spend $10K+ to get a "good driver". Do people have thoughts on this?
I'm interested in Browniepetersen's comments on the Hudson straight 8 being superior to the Packard 8. I've heard story after story about Packard's 48 custom 8 356 cid 9-main bearing engine being so smooth and quiet, one can't hear it when the engine's running. But oddly, I've not heard anything about Hudson's 8. Could people tell me their experience in smoothness/quietness of the Hudson eight, and how the engines differed in construction?
Also, for the particular Hudson model I'm interested in (Commodore 8 4dr), how easy are these cars to find? I don't see many of them for sale, and again, usually never for less than $10K. Comments?
I believe the year I prefer is 1948 only...although I'm unclear: which years of Step Downs used the horizontal bar grill? Did that include 1949?
Thanks to all of you for the support you're offering already. I'm sure I'll be giving a call or two here soon enough. Lee, if you're in Burbank, that's where I work every day, so I'm closer to some of you than I knew. Fantastic!
Sorry for the long post. At least I'm enthusiastic!
'48 and '49 Hudson's are virtually identical in every way with very minor differences. If you want an 8 cyl engine they are less common than 6 cyl. 262's and come in either Commodore 8 or Super 8 models with super 8's having less trim (it was a less expesenive 8 new)and being more rare. There is no difference in the wheelbase 6 or 8's for those years. I'm told 8's are different driving expereince. Also the 8 is an older engine Hudson developed back in the 1930's and continued after the war. The last 8 offered was 1952. They do come up for sale every so often and if you were in the HET club cars change hands between members sometimes rather than on the open market because the owners want to see them go to a good home.
The club is a driver's club we believe in keeping them on the road. We don't give trophies and that has contributed to more of a spirit of cooperation among the members. Only trophies you can get in HET are "hard luck" awards if you tried to get to a meet and your Hudson broke down. We like to see them on the road in any condition so you don't have to feel shamed if your car isn't perfect. You'll find members to be very open with tech advice and information. The network of parts sources and suppliers is really pretty good for a make of car that that ceased production over 50 years ago. For my own part I useed to be in the Tbird club and as a younger guy members took a condescending attitude towards me. HET Club was way different, the made me feel welcome and encouraged.
Hudson owners are free spirits. They are a different breed and sometimes eccentric. Some only care about Hudson's and aren't interested in any other make of car. Some will say it's the greatest car America ever made at any price level and are fiercely loyal to the marque. Even when they were new they cars garnered high loyalty and people who bought Hudson's were repeat buyers. Most club members on average own more than one.
As far as price.... I've gotten runners cheap in the past. Sedans will be less expensive than coupes or other models as a general rule. It also depends on what level of car you're after and how much work you may be willing to put into it. $10 K should in theory net you a solid runner driver with some wear and cosmetic problems, if not a few maintainence issues. The main thing is if you know what you want be patient, ask around frequently, keep your ear to the ground. '49s are more common than '48s in the HET club.
I can't comment much on Packard. Those are some beautiful cars but I've heard the same rumor than there is some snootiness among owners. I'm unsure of the level of support that club has for its' cars. I do know that pre-war Packards are EXPENSIVEEEEEEEE Whereas Hudson values have traditionally not kept up pace with the values of Big 3 cars. But in terms of road handling, a '48 - '49 is superior to almost any other make of car made in those same years and will do battle with modern traffic just fine.
Also just a personal note, get into any old car because you love it and don't mind getting stuck with it. Value or "investment" is always the wrong reason to get into this hobby unless you are a Bugatti collector in which case you're in a different class anyways. LOL0 -
I learned to drive in a '50 Packard Deluxe Sedan when I was 15. My dad & I took it from Chicago to Eagle River, WI and back. I loved that car.
Later, with an IRS refund check burning a whole in my pocket, I went to look at a Packard that was for sale. Funny thing, the guy also had a '54 Hornet. Neither of them were running. I looked at the 327 flat head 8. Then I looked at the 308 flat head 6.
I bought the Hudson. 25 years later, I'm still glad I did!
Tim0 -
Horizontal grill bars are on 48-50 with 50 having one less horizontal bar, but the 50 has the same trim package as a 51, that being a half inch wide speed line trim from behind the front wheel opening to the rear pork-chop(that's the pork-chop shaped piece) near the lower end of the rear quarters.
The fifty also has a one year only split rear window that is larger in diameter than 48 & 49.
The only difference exterior wise between 48 & 49 is the location of the stainless clip on each of the side glass trims.
The interiors differ only in that the early 48 dashes were all dark brown wood grain while the later run 48's and all 49's had a blonde center section woodgrain in dash to add a nice variation against the main dark brown woodgrain of the rest of the dash. The blonde woodgrain continues along the tops of the interior door panels also.
There isn't as much talk about the 8 also since the 262 and 308 six is just more common amoug stepdown owners, many like the twin-H option and such.0 -
Guys, thanks for the responses. They are all helpful to me. Obviously, I'm still deciding what to do, so my 'action' of buying a car may take longer than I thought, but I'm not in any rush to get there. I would rather I end up with the right car.
Thanks Alex for those Hudson comparative brochures. Very informative! And especially comparing against other brands I'd considered from time to time.
I'll be searching the literature page there for answers to the following question, but if someone knows, feel free to jump in:
1. Did the 1948/1949 Hudsons come with directional signals as either standard or optional equipment? Seems a silly question but I think there's nothing more ugly than an after-market add-on signal unit that doesn't look anything like the rest of the dash. I've seen, on some 1948 and 49 Hudsons, a small lever directly under the steering wheel center with an ivory knob that looks like a mini-signal lever. Is that lever directional signals?
2. What about other "optional equipment" like air conditioning, spotlights, windshield visors, stoneguards, radios, record players, levels of upholstery and trim, carpet vs. rubber flooring, etc.? Does anyone have a list?
3. I am trying to sort out body/engine/trimline & models, but I'm getting confused. Somebody please help de-confuse me:
1948 had the Hudson Six and Super Six (I figure these are engine sizes and trimlines). But it also had the Commodore Six and the Commodore Eight. What was the Brougham Six and a Brougham Eight? Simply a trimline with no mechanical differences? And was there a convertible this year?
I ask this question because I am unsure which model and level of trim goes with which body style. Of which I have seen four distinct styles: the standard 4DR sedan, the 2DR club coupe (I assume this is the 2 door sedan with a smaller passenger compartment, and the elongated rear deck), the 2 DR sedan (looks like the 4DR, but with only two doors and longer rear quarter windows), and the convertibles.
What about the same questions for 1949 models?
Thanks for the help all. I will be looking through the literature to find answers.0 -
Ah, ok. So looking through the literature (again, thanks Alex), I spot "Direction Indicator" as an option. Wonderful!
What about Air Conditioning? Was that an option? I see "Weather-Control", but I'm not going to assume. I remember reading an article about a step-down Hudsons in a long-past issue of Collectible Automobile where it referred to "rare factory air conditioning". Is "Weather Control" A/C?
Now for a revision of my question on body styles:
In the same factory literature, it answers which trimlines appeared in which series. My questions are now:
1. Which coupe is the "Business Coupe" and which one is the "Club Coupe"? I can tell one looks like the 4DR sedan with a similar roofline...I would call this the Club Coupe. The other that has a different roofline and extremely long rear deck, I would call the Business coupe. Do I have this right?
2. Which body style is the Brougham and what were it's trim options (other than the convertible)?
Thanks guys!0 -
"Brougham" is a 2-door sedan. A fastback coupe, if you will. It is essentially the same car as a 4-door, but with only 2 doors. As opposed to a coupe, which is a completely different body style (2 doors but a long rear deck).
"Business coupe" is a coupe but with no back seat. The rear area is covered in vinyl and the spare tire, I believe, is stored behind the back seat. I think these were only available in the lower, "Super Six", series.
"Club coupe" would be your standard coupe body with a backseat.0 -
'48-'49 model lineup from least trim to top of the line trip goes like thing
Super 6 - Super 8 - Commodore 6 - Commodore 8.
Body styles: Club Coupe, Business Coupe (no back seat), Brougham (2 door sedan), 4 door sedan, and Convertible.
Not all body styles were available on all models. The most expensive Hudson you could've bought in '48-'49 would've been a Commodore 8 convertible with all the options.
Most had turn signals but I think they were optional. No AC until 1956. Spotlights YES, visors, YES, stonegaurds YES, radio YES records, don't know. Hudson had a lot of color combos for the exterior but only like 3 for the interior. back seat had carpets standard.... I think front was optional.. someone can confirm that.
Engines: 262 6 cyl. and 254 8 cyl.
Trans options: 3 spd. 3 spd with overdrive. Drivemaster, vacumotive drive.
I think there was 2 differential ratios too. Someone else can fill that one in.
Hudson was an engineering company just like Chrysler so if you choose to get into Hudson's it's a easy transition.0 -
rpmonroe wrote:Horizontal grill bars are on 48-50 with 50 having one less horizontal bar, but the 50 has the same trim package as a 51, that being a half inch wide speed line trim from behind the front wheel opening to the rear pork-chop(that's the pork-chop shaped piece) near the lower end of the rear quarters.
The fifty also has a one year only split rear window that is larger in diameter than 48 & 49.
The only difference exterior wise between 48 & 49 is the location of the stainless clip on each of the side glass trims.
The interiors differ only in that the early 48 dashes were all dark brown wood grain while the later run 48's and all 49's had a blonde center section woodgrain in dash to add a nice variation against the main dark brown woodgrain of the rest of the dash. The blonde woodgrain continues along the tops of the interior door panels also.
There isn't as much talk about the 8 also since the 262 and 308 six is just more common amoug stepdown owners, many like the twin-H option and such.
The blond center section was used on all '48 & '49 Commodore models, and the dark brown center was used only on the '48 Super Series. The window reveal trim was dark brown on all '48 & '49 models. The blond trim from the Commodore models continued on the large trim piece below the reveal trim on the top of the door panels and other side panels. One other minor difference in the Commodore dash panel was the inclusion of a glove box on the driver's side of the dash. A few of the late '48 Commodores also had this feature, but it was very late in the production run.
Jerry
53jetman0 -
eatkinson wrote:Ah, ok. So looking through the literature (again, thanks Alex), I spot "Direction Indicator" as an option. Wonderful!
What about Air Conditioning? Was that an option? I see "Weather-Control", but I'm not going to assume. I remember reading an article about a step-down Hudsons in a long-past issue of Collectible Automobile where it referred to "rare factory air conditioning". Is "Weather Control" A/C?
Now for a revision of my question on body styles:
In the same factory literature, it answers which trimlines appeared in which series. My questions are now:
1. Which coupe is the "Business Coupe" and which one is the "Club Coupe"? I can tell one looks like the 4DR sedan with a similar roofline...I would call this the Club Coupe. The other that has a different roofline and extremely long rear deck, I would call the Business coupe. Do I have this right?
2. Which body style is the Brougham and what were it's trim options (other than the convertible)?
Thanks guys!
This is a 1950 brougham.0 -
Well, it wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong and I'm sure there'll be more of the same in the future.
I'll just sit by the computer here and have another piece of pie.0 -
Wow, that's a nice lookin' brougham Richie...........sure wish I had one of those!0
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Yes, that is a sweet looking Broughm. Here are a few more, not sure if 49 or 50 from these views and I do not remember.... Woops, the bottom one is a 51 I think. Anyway, I think that they are sweet!!! Perhaps my next project?0
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Hudson offered factory air in 1955,1956,1957, and Packard v8 and Ultramatic in 1955 and 1956. Actually, when I bring my 1956 Hudson with Packard v8 and Ultramatic to a Packard meet, they are very nice and enjoy the car. I have always felt welcomed. Haven't met any one there that was rude or snooty. They call it a Kenosha Clipper!
Anyone can check out one of the Packard sites at; www.packardinfo.com;
They are both great cars, but it is easier to get parts, help and information on Hudsons. Just compare this site to the Packard site on Classiccar.com.0
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