Super Rare 1954 Hudson Italia Pops Up for Sale With Stripped Aluminum Body
Established in 1909, Hudson had grown into the third-largest carmaker in the US by the end of the 1920s. The company also pioneered many features that became widespread throughout the automotive industry. In 1950, Hudson introduced the NASCAR-winning Hornet, but disappeared only a few years later following a merger with Nash-Kelvinator.
Like most independent companies, Hudson went under because it could no longer compete with Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Before it went into the history books, the Michigan-based firm created the Italia, the first and only American vehicle to feature a Superleggera body penned by Carrozzeria Touring.
Inspired by Chrysler's Ghia specials, the Italia was based on the compact-sized Hudson Jet. The latter had hit the market later than planned due to disagreements within the company and ultimately failed to find success. With Jet sales lagging, chief designer Frank Spring convinced Hudson to develop a sportier, more upscale version of the compact.
Spring commissioned Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring to handle the project. The Jet re-emerged with radical changes from the shop. Sporting an aluminum body over a thin steel tube framework, the Italia sat lower and looked more streamlined than the Jet.
The new design incorporated V-shaped scoops on the front fenders and stacked taillights mounted on chrome tubes emerging from scalloped cut-outs in the rear fenders. Thanks to contoured bucket seats, two-tone leather upholstery, and soft carpets, the reworked interior was decidedly European. Impressed with the prototype, Hudson ordered a limited production run of 50 units.
Displayed at various car shows, the Italia was praised for its design and features. However, the 114 horsepower, 202-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) straight-six engine was deemed underpowered, and sports car enthusiasts didn't rush to sign $4,800 checks for the fancied-up Hudson (about $51,000 in 2024 dollars). Hudson only managed to sell 26 units, and the Italia disappeared along with the company in the mid-1950s.
Overshadowed by more successful vehicles of the era and forgotten by car enthusiasts, the Italia re-emerged in the spotlight when the first production example sold for nearly $500,000 at auction in 2023. One year later, another Italia has surfaced in Thousand Oaks, California.
This version is nowhere near as glamorous. Even though it runs and drives, it needs a thorough restoration because the aluminum body has been stripped off and shows damage. The car appears to be complete, though, and the interior is in decent shape (albeit there's no word on how original it is). Likewise, there are no images of the inline-six engine.
The seller, who claims this example is the seventh produced and was displayed at the 1954 Paris Auto Show, wants $160,000 for the rare Hudson. Somehow, the Italia looks cool in this semi-derelict condition, but I definitely want to see a restored version of it.
Like most independent companies, Hudson went under because it could no longer compete with Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler. Before it went into the history books, the Michigan-based firm created the Italia, the first and only American vehicle to feature a Superleggera body penned by Carrozzeria Touring.
Inspired by Chrysler's Ghia specials, the Italia was based on the compact-sized Hudson Jet. The latter had hit the market later than planned due to disagreements within the company and ultimately failed to find success. With Jet sales lagging, chief designer Frank Spring convinced Hudson to develop a sportier, more upscale version of the compact.
Spring commissioned Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring to handle the project. The Jet re-emerged with radical changes from the shop. Sporting an aluminum body over a thin steel tube framework, the Italia sat lower and looked more streamlined than the Jet.
The new design incorporated V-shaped scoops on the front fenders and stacked taillights mounted on chrome tubes emerging from scalloped cut-outs in the rear fenders. Thanks to contoured bucket seats, two-tone leather upholstery, and soft carpets, the reworked interior was decidedly European. Impressed with the prototype, Hudson ordered a limited production run of 50 units.
Displayed at various car shows, the Italia was praised for its design and features. However, the 114 horsepower, 202-cubic-inch (3.3-liter) straight-six engine was deemed underpowered, and sports car enthusiasts didn't rush to sign $4,800 checks for the fancied-up Hudson (about $51,000 in 2024 dollars). Hudson only managed to sell 26 units, and the Italia disappeared along with the company in the mid-1950s.
Overshadowed by more successful vehicles of the era and forgotten by car enthusiasts, the Italia re-emerged in the spotlight when the first production example sold for nearly $500,000 at auction in 2023. One year later, another Italia has surfaced in Thousand Oaks, California.
This version is nowhere near as glamorous. Even though it runs and drives, it needs a thorough restoration because the aluminum body has been stripped off and shows damage. The car appears to be complete, though, and the interior is in decent shape (albeit there's no word on how original it is). Likewise, there are no images of the inline-six engine.
The seller, who claims this example is the seventh produced and was displayed at the 1954 Paris Auto Show, wants $160,000 for the rare Hudson. Somehow, the Italia looks cool in this semi-derelict condition, but I definitely want to see a restored version of it.