Old School Hot Rod: 1951 Hudson Pacemaker Club Coupe
It’s hard to believe that Pixar’s Cars franchise is almost 20 years old; the toys are still on the shelves and the Hudson brand is still more than a simple footnote in automotive history. Contrary to what people may think as a result of the famous film, not all Hudsons were Hornets, but hot rodders could bestow Hornet performance and more on the lesser models, often using factory parts. This Pacemaker received the full treatment.
The seller points out that this Pacemaker spent its life in Pennsylvania, so several pictures of the undercarriage are included to show how solid it is despite its origins. Anyone who has spent time underneath a ’50s car will recognize the years of minor oil leaks coating the components. In this picture, you can see the exhaust header splitting into dual exhaust pipes.
That’s because this Pacemaker has been upgraded to NASCAR Hornet specs. It has a 7X engine bored to 339 cubic inches, with a sportier Isky camshaft, a recent valve adjustment, a new clutch, and more. According to the owner, everything works, including the horn and heater.
The interior shows a little bit of wear on the door panels and it looks as if it could use a pair of door seals. All of this verifies the seller’s claim that it was restored about 40 years ago and maintained since then.
At that time, a 1953 Super Wasp interior was swapped in, along with the Hornet upgrades. The seller believes that the 82,000 miles on the odometer is accurate.
Overall, the presentation shows an older restoration that is ready to enjoy right now. Since it’s such a solid car, a drive-as-you-go refurbishment could settle any minor flaws (or you could just leave it as is). The seller says “the bodywork is not up to showcar standards on a black car,” but not all of us care to drive around in a show car. The red wheels certainly say “NASCAR,” but I might paint them black and change the tires to blackwalls.
I was happy to see the long defunct Hudson name boosted by a modern movie. For an independent to recognize that racing could sell cars, and then go out and engage in that competition successfully is worthy of the Hollywood treatment. This one adds a little old-fashioned hot-rod mystique to the story everyone knows, and it’s for sale on eBay with a current high bid of $10,100.
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Comments
Perfect just like it is.
I have had the pleasure to own 2 Hudson’s. 1949 Commodore 6, 4 door sedan. 1947 Big Boy Pickup. This Pacemaker is right up my alley. Would like to see photos of the interior. Black wall tires with dark green rims to match the interior, small hub caps and beauty rings.
Really nice looking car. I’d scrap the window shades and paint the wheels something other than pink and call it good. If you have never heard one of these engines with split exhausts you have missed out on one of the best sounds to come out of a car.
I love this. It channels my Inner Herb Thomas.
bobhess is right: scrap the window shades, fit blackwall tires and repaint the wheels, and it’s good to go. I’d leave off the fender skirts as well.
Have to wonder if this is a genuine “7X” engine or a replica. Real examples are pretty rare, as few were factory-built to begin with. Dealers supplied kits of parts that, with a lot of machine work, could convert a standard engine, and one of the Hudson clubs has put detailed instructions on replicating them online.
It’s, well, “Fabulous!”
3 pedal special right here. Love it.
Beautiful…don’t change anything. IMHO one of the few cars that looks good with fender skirts….
Quite the interestingly eclectic group of cars here (always in a good way) especially lately but this rates 110% in the “Ultimate Kool” category.
Awesome find.
This one, right here. Is the car. Sadly, my checkbook, my garage, and my wife, says it’s not.
The only car I like as a 4 door.
I wonder how fast this is 0 to 60 and the 1/4 mile . Cool car !!
My dad used to tell stories of running around with cousin Joe in his Hudson. Great stories.
In their day…they would outrun most other makes in second gear overdrive This one is a real beauty!
I’ve read that the voice over for Doc Hudson was Paul Newman’s last professional gig. Great car guy and a successful race car driver and owner.
I am the owner of this car. The 7x engine is genuine. I took many photos when I had the engine out. I could go into the many details that prove it, but I will save that for the buyer. Thanks!
Phenomenal car, Larry. Really outstanding job on a truly classic muscle car.
The “fender skirts” were a factory feature covering the OUTSIDE frame member, not a stylistic whim. The rear track is less than the front to fit INSIDE the frame member. That means that, in the wet, the rears are running on non-front-tire-squeegied pavement and that sucker would swap ends in a heartbeat. I speak from experience in a ’48 Commodore.
At first glance I always think 49 Mercury and then go, oh yeah this is a Hudson. What a cool car!
Wow a black Hudson that hasn’t been painted or wrapped to look like Doc Hudson yet. Looks like a fun car for cruising
Isky cam? That’s good. Keeping it like a 50s mild custom. Keep the car in period, wide whitewalls and vintage Caddy wheel covers? Keep the side shades, see if you can get a period windshield shade. Louvered hood, lake pipes. Hudsons came factory chopped and channeled, so uou’re good to go. I wonder if my barber can do a DA, and get the missus a poodle skirt.
I really really like this. I am watching. Sure wish it was closer so I could see it in person prior to auction end. I’m a bit confused though. The seller says in the description that they are selling at no reserve. But the E-Bay ad states reserve not met. I’m for remounting the tires with the black walls out. But the description says that they are radials so that may not be possible. Skirts should stay.
Perfect. Makes me want to move to Radiator Springs.