Fantasy Junction

Description

1949 Hudson Commodore Custom Six Convertible Brougham
s/n 492118126, Engine no. 217197
Black with Red Leather

Following the close of WW II, America’s automobile manufacturers scrambled to resume peacetime production but initially faced supply shortages and labor disputes. In order to meet the fierce pent-up demand for new cars, existing prewar automobile designs were put back into production with few, if any, updates. In the background, though, the race was on to become the first American manufacturer to market with fresh new designs. Hudson, the highly respected independent from Detroit, was one of the first with its innovative new “Step-Down” models that truly revolutionized automotive design.
With design work led by Frank Spring, Hudson’s “Step-Down” concept represented a major rethink by moving away from traditional body-on-frame construction, which forced occupants to step up and into their vehicles. Instead, Hudson engineers placed the floors down inside the chassis. A sturdy perimeter frame encircled the passenger compartment and rear wheels, and Hudson bodies were now of rigid semi-unitized construction. In addition to providing remarkable ease of entry and exit, the new Hudsons were renowned for their enhanced road holding by virtue of the low center of gravity afforded by the “Step-Down” layout.

Unveiled in December 1947, the new Hudsons made a big splash with the public and proved highly influential on the industry. Interestingly, General Motors was reputed to have purchased a number of them for evaluation, with the cars used for several years as a standard for handling and performance at the Milford Proving Grounds. The new Hudsons were offered for 1948 along two distinct lines – the Special with six- and eight-cylinder power, and the top-line Commodore Six and Eight. Essentially unchanged for 1949, the Commodores were now renamed ‘Commodore Custom’. While Hudson did not enjoy the virtually unlimited capital of some of its larger competitors, Hudson still managed to widen its trim levels and launched new models, all while keeping the basic “Step-Down” Commodore in production through 1954, when the fiercely independent company ultimately merged with Nash to form American Motors.

1 of 656 built, this freshly completed, multiple award-wining Jay Doerfler restored Commodore Custom Six Convertible Brougham has an immense presence and a near perfect presentation. Powered by the highly desirable, NASCAR-bred “Twin H-Power” engine (the largest of the engines offered), equipped with leather upholstery, manual 3-speed overdrive transmission, hydraulic power top and windows, radio, chrome wires, wide whitewalls, twin spot lights, and other features, it is not just in exceptional condition, but exceptionally equipped! One of the finest new postwar American automobile designs, in open-air form.

This top-of-the-line 1949 Commodore Custom Six Convertible Brougham clearly benefits from a stunning and freshly completed show-quality restoration performed by Jay Doerfler of Auto Body Specialists in Manchester, New Hampshire. The restoration work was a professional, no-expense-spared effort, and included virtually all cosmetic and mechanical aspects of the car. Completely dismantled and stripped to bare metal, repaired, and then beautifully refinished in black, the Commodore features a matching convertible top and rich Burgundy leather upholstery – all custom-made and painstakingly hand-stitched to factory specifications. The dash is particularly striking with its painted wood grained surfaces. A high-compression 308 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, while not offered by the factory for 1949, powers this Commodore. One look underhood reveals it its impeccably detailed, finished, and equipped with the famous “Twin H-Power” dual-carburetor intake system that Hudson racers used to great effect on early NASCAR ovals. A new wiring harness was designed and assembled, utilizing original-style cloth covering material, to proper factory appearance. Since the bulk of the restoration work was finished by Doerfler, further sorting and improvements were made by world renowned Phil Reilly & Company in Corte Madera, California. The total for the restoration bills on file exceeds $445,000 (standing several inches thick), and in this regard, it is almost certainly the most comprehensively restored example on the planet.

The quality of the Commodore’s restoration was handily confirmed immediately after completion, with the car winning three awards on its first outing at the 2015 Boston World of Wheels Autorama. While primarily a hot rod-oriented event, the Commodore nonetheless earned Best in Class, Best Restored Car overall, and the prestigious CASI Award, which effectively represents second place for the entire show in the face of stiff competition – a fantastic achievement for the car’s first showing. In addition to its special engine, the Commodore also features a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, hydraulic power top and windows, a radio, chrome wire wheels, and period style wide whitewall tires. Extremely rare today as 1 of just 656 Commodore Custom Six Brougham Convertibles built for 1949, this virtually impeccable, show-quality example marks the epitome of postwar American motoring and now stands ready for further success in show competition with an astute new owner.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608