Any opinions on the '49 Commodore at Hyman Ltd?

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Hello, everyone.

My name is Matt and this is my first post on classicar.com. I'm 36 years old, and have been a car nut all of my life, but only recently have I been interested in Hudsons. Part of that has been due to the exposure from the movie Cars, and partly because I saw the '49 Commodore that Hyman Limited has for sale:
http://www.hymanltd.com/search/Details.asp?stockno=3257&recordCount=48

Has anyone seen this car in person, or know anything about it? From the pictures, it looks like it has a straight 6, not an 8 as advertised. (But I've heard great things about the six.) I like the way the air conditioning has been incorporated under the dash, and the car looks like its in good condition. Of course, it does seem expensive!

I'd appreciate any thoughts on this Hudson, or any comments from anyone who has dealt with Hyman Ltd. (Please PM me if that's more appropriate.)

Thank you in advance,

Matt

Comments

  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Matt,

    I've admired that car as well. I believe it is an 8.... That seems high but for a car like that , to get it in that condition maybe not. That car looks like a top notch restoration. It's also a a rare car. A 49 8 coupe is rare to begin with and Hyman is known to have the best. That's why it's pricey. I'll bet that's one of the nicest 49 coupes out there..... Good luck....
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    Matt, just a suggestion: if you have only recently become interested in Hudsons, then this particular car may be the first really nice one you've seen for sale. Be aware that there Hudsons do come up for sale often, which may not be quite as pricey. Check Hemmings Motor News, Cars & Parts and Old Cars Weekly. And (if you haven't already done so) join the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club, where you will make contacts with people who know where such cars may be available, and whose splendid bi-monthly magazine carries ads for such cars in every issue. Take a bit of time to learn more about Hudsons so you get a feel for what prices they are commanding, and what to look for (and avoid!) when considering one for sale.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The serial # 493 is super Eight. It does have some commadore trim as tail lights and deck lid handle.
  • rambos_ride
    rambos_ride Senior Contributor
    Welcome Matt,

    This does indeed look like a nice car. However, the sellers have left out pictures of the inside of the trunk and the undercarriage of the car.

    Since rust is the #1 issue with these cars and they're asking top dollar for it - I'm curious as to why they haven't included these pictures.

    Regardless, you couldn't buy one and restore it to this condition for 39k and if you are really interested in it I wouldn't plunk down that kind of cash without seeing it first or having a VERY knowledgeble Hudson owner in the area give you an inspection.

    Seriously if you're interested in this car it'd be worth the air/bus/train fare and time to look at the car first given the cost.
  • hdsn49
    hdsn49 Senior Contributor
    Billy K.TN. is right 493 serial number is for a super 8 model. The car was converted to a commodore model. From what I can see from the pictures they did everything correct to convert it, except leaving the serial number.
  • Walt-LA
    Walt-LA Senior Contributor
    It would be interesting to know why the VIN plate is attached with screws, not rivets. Could be that there was a registration problem and where someone went with the Super VIN to get around it, rather than having upgraded the car to Commodore... ? I'd certainly want to know which and why at $ 39K. But nice work, regardless!



    Walt-LA
  • rambos_ride
    rambos_ride Senior Contributor
    I'd say the serial tag is screwed on because the car was painted and its a pain to install flush head rivetes like that without the proper tools - especially in that location.

    I was also noticing the dashboard...looks to me like there was a "sympathetic" restore where they cleaned the dash a little and sprayed clear over it...what do you guys think of that?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Wow. I'm surprised to get so many good, solid responses in a few short hours. Thanks, guys! Keep the observations coming!
  • Aaron D. IL
    Aaron D. IL Senior Contributor
    A '49 Super 8 coupe is a very rare car. Super 8's were only available in 3 models. Coupe Sedan and Brougham....no convertibles. The last Year of Super 8's ('49 or 1950 I think) only 1074 were made. I've only ever seen a sedan, never seen a coupe or brougham. Super 8's never sold as well as Commodore 8's. People just didn't go for the less expensive trimmed-down 8. Commodore 8's were the top of the line in expense until the Hornet Arrived in '51. Hudson discontinued the Commodore 8 in '52
  • Park_W
    Park_W Senior Contributor
    And by the way, that engine is indeed an 8, but equipped with A/C compressor and alternator, appropriate for a modern day driver.
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