Thread: 53 Hudson convertible-what is it worth

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Stumbled across this one on the way home Sunday. Asking price as it sits was $13,500 rusty floors, missing interior (the rats ate it) and original holes in top

Just my opinion but I'd say he has it priced way above value for a rusty starter. Here's a comp, granted not a convertable, that is in good shape for less than $2k more.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...sp/685532.html

"Run Forest Run"

"No Way Jose"

Well, I'm a couple/three decades removed from my Hudson period, but a few comments.

First, if he's representing it as a '53 double check the title/paperwork, because that's a '51 front end. I've got both a '51 and '53 posted in my gallery if you want to see the differences. Looks like the longer wheelbase of either a Hornet ('51 was the first year), or Commodore. The Pacemaker was the shorter wheelbase, less deluxe version. If it's a Hornet it should have the 308 cu. in. inline, flathead 6. If it's got the Twin H dual carb intake that's a big plus. It could have a (GM supplied) hydramatic, straight 3 speed, or the very desirable 3 + overdrive. The Commodores had either the 262 cu. in. inline 6 or the inline 8 (254 cu. in. if I remember correctly). Looks like it's got an extremely rare continental kit (probably make specific aftermarket). The tiny emblem on the fender and lack of side trim makes me think it's a Commodore, but there's still the question if that's the original front sheetmetal and any other modifications over the years.

These were a unibody car, so the rust could be a significant problem. For example, beyond what you can see in the floors, the more critical issue are the side members, particularly in the back. The side members go outside the rear wheels (thus the low cut wheel openings). When the quarter panels were mounted (this was a really dumb idea they had) they bolted to those side members with a piece of foam insulation to cut down on noise. Yep, acted like a sponge. I'd bet dollars to donuts there will be rust through along the bottom of the quarters, which would indicate the chassis side members are at least equally eaten away.

All that being said, within the world of Stepdown Hudsons a convertible is the holly grail. The Hornet is worth more than the Commodore, and within the Commodore the 8 more than the 6. He's probably not too far out of line on his price, though I admittedly don't keep up on the value of these anymore like I do with rods. The vast majority of Stepdowns were 4 doors, making the 2 door versions; coupes, broughams, hardtops and convertibles, very "rare", and more desirable (read valuable). But then the line of people standing around to buy a Hudson is a lot shorter than for more popular cars. Of course convertibles bend that conventional wisdom. You know the old line: when the top goes down the price goes up.

My biggest fear when dealing with non Ford non Chevy type projects is parts. Unlike some cars where every piece is being repopped, when you undertake one like this one you are on your own and will pretty much be scouring swap meets and brand specific forums for a long time to come. That also makes the parts you do find VERY expensive.

I know people do buy and restore/rebuild off brand cars like this, but generally they are dyed in the wool fanatics about that brand and have the networking and patience to undertake such a project. On one like this car I feel it is simply better to find a very clean one and spend the extra money now rather than piece by piece.

Just my opinion.

Don

Originally Posted by mrmustang

Stumbled across this one on the way home Sunday. Asking price as it sits was $13,500 rusty floors, missing interior (the rats ate it) and original holes in top

Any more pics? It is a cool car! Makes me think of the animated film cars!

I agree it sounds high even for California standards! But then as Bob so very well said, the price does go up as the top goes down. If it was a mustang convertible, it would cost the same in the same condition around here. The real question is, is someone willing to pay that, and have to start at ground zero with a fat cash roll to fix it up? That's when having a passion for that particular car becomes a factor!

No more pictures, sorry, just stopped and took that one quick shot as I saw the $13,500 price on both for sale signs and the condition and walked away. It'
s close enough to the house where I could always go back if someone was truly interested in it



Bill S.

12 thousand too much !!!

Originally Posted by HOSS429

12 thousand too much !!!

Awwww - I was gonna say $10K too much for a rotted hulk. No matter the scarcity of that model!!!

I wouldn't pay it, but someone who is a Hudson enthusiast looking for a new project just might buy it...

kinda like the '50 Studebaker champion 4dr that sits just outside of Duanesburg NY,. obvious rust issues but they want way to much for it, and it's been sitting for sale for years now, even tho they pulled it back in there driveway, the signs are still on it

Originally Posted by Matt167

I wouldn't pay it, but someone who is a Hudson enthusiast looking for a new project just might buy it...

kinda like the '50 Studebaker champion 4dr that sits just outside of Duanesburg NY,. obvious rust issues but they want way to much for it, and it's been sitting for sale for years now, even tho they pulled it back in there driveway, the signs are still on it

Something in the back of my mind tells me I've driven by that very same car on the way down from Princetown several years ago.........Going to check and see if I have pictures of it in my archives and scan them in if I do.

Bill S.