The automobile featured in this article is a top of the line 1948 Hudson Commodore. The Hudson Motor Car Company produced upscale automobiles. Hudson offered standard features that were options with many other automakers. This 1948 model was the first of the third generation Hudson Commodores. In 1948 the Commodore was offered with either a straight eight or straight six engine. Our featured model has a straight six.

1948 hudson commodore
1948 Hudson Commodore

The Hudson Motor Car Company

In the case of the Hudson Motor Car Company, the firm began operating in 1909. The company was founded by Howard Coffin, George W. Dunham, and Roy E. Chapin although the start up money essentially came from Detroit Michigan department store magnate Joseph L. Hudson. Hudson’s was a major Detroit retailer up until it’s merger into Dayton-Hudson. In a way it was Joseph Hudson who founded the company.

Hudson’s were made in Detroit until 1954, when they merged with Nash-Kelvinator to create American Motors (AMC).

Hudson’s Progressive Engineering

Hudson automobiles were known for quality and for introducing a lot of firsts. One big first was the steering wheel being placed on the left side of the vehicle with hand controls in the center. Dual brakes were yet another first as well as the first balanced crankshaft used in their straight six engine. The balanced crank shaft meant much smoother idling. As mentioned above, the Hudson Motor Car Company had yet another first with the all steel body brought out on select models in 1935.

hudson automobile specsThe 1948 Hudson Commodore

The Hudson Commodore was produced from 1941 to 1952. The Hudson Commodore was the most luxurious automobile built by Hudson.

The 1948 model year represented the third generation of the Commodore. In 1948, the Commodore was one of the first new design cars post-WWII. This year was the start of Hudson’s Step-Down or Monobuilt design. This was a real revolutionary post war design change which would last through the 1954 model year. The step-down design with it’s encircling frame essentially made the Commodore a lower car and people would actually step down r lower themselves to enter it. Safety was thought to increase with the car having a surrounded chassis. Weight was also reduced with the unibody construction and aided performance and handling.

For 1948 the Hudson Commodore was only offered in one series. The choice was an inline six or inline eight engine.

1948 Hudson Commodore Specifications

As mentioned above, the 1948 Hudson Commodore offered either an inline six or inline eight cylinder engine. Our featured model has a 262 cubic inch inline six delivering 121 HP.

Transmission was a three speed manual.

Brakes were Bendix Duo-Servo drums.

Front suspension were independent coil springs with rear semi-elliptic leaf springs.

Dimensions for the 1948 Hudson Commodore included a wheelbase of 124.0 inches…overall length of 207.5 inches…width of 77.06 inches…height of 60.4 inches.

Curb weight 3,750 lbs.

See the additional Auto Museum Online articles found on the links below…

1936 Hudson Deluxe Eight

The Hudson Hornet

References for this article include…Hudson: The Story of the Hudson Motor Car 1909-1957 by Ted W. Mayborn and Mitch Mayborn….The History of Hudsonby Don Butler.

hudson step down design
Much lower with the Step-Down design

 hudson automobile badge

1948 Hudson Commodore Collector Car Values

Hudson automobiles in very good condition are popular with collectors. The Hudson automobile was produced as an upscale car and when you run across one of them at a car show you’ll be immediately impressed. You should also find these well manufactured automobiles reasonably priced and good cars to start a collection with.

As with all collector cars for sale, the asking prices usually reflect the overall condition of the vehicle and degree of restoration, if any. As of this writing we see a 1942 Hudson Commodore 4 door Sedan priced at about $12,000. A 1949 Hudson Super Six at $10,000. A 1947 and 1950 Commodore for about $12,500 each. You will also find some specific Hudson models in pristine condition in the $40,000+ area such as the 1929 Hudson Super Six, Landeau and the 1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe.

hudson commodore interiorHudson car enthusiasts may want to check out website…www.hudsonclub.org…this is the Hudson Essex Terraplane (H-E-T) Club, Inc

The Hudson Essex Terraplane (H-E-T) Club, Inc, an organization dedicated to preserving the products of the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan (1909-1954) and American Motors Corporation (1955-1957). This is an international club that is dedicated to driving and preserving these great automobiles, with over 3,000 members worldwide.

The North Central Chapter of the Hudson Essex, Terraplane Club was one of the first car clubs formed in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *