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This Hudson Hornet 7C Sedan was purchased by legendary actor, amateur motor racing driver, skilled motorcyclist, hands-on automotive enthusiast, sex symbol, and pop culture icon of intergalactic proportion, Steve McQueen, in the mid-1970s. It was registered in his name in August 1977. This Twin H-Power Hudson was in his ownership and possession at the time of his passing on November 7, 1980. Subsequent to McQueen's passing, an estate sale was held in November 1984, and the subject Hornet sedan was sold into private ownership at that time.
The current owners acquired the car in 1987. The engine was rebuilt during McQueen's ownership, and the car has been treated to one high-quality repaint to the factory's original color scheme.
The Hudson Hornet is one of the most famous of the historically significant 'step down' Hudson model designs. The car's chassis architecture, and the way the body was mounted on it, meant that entering passengers stepped down modestly into the interior of the car, and this also allowed for a lower center of gravity, which improved road-holding. They were successful in racing, especially in the relatively new venue of NASCAR 'stock car' racing. The proven flathead six was originally rated at 140 horsepower. With 'Twin H-Power,' that figure rose to 170 horsepower, which employed a higher compression ratio, and the factory installation of dual Carter single barrel carburetors. In race trim, this yielded well over 200 horsepower.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Monterey, California. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000-$60,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to an end, the car had been sold for the sum of $61,600, inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
The current owners acquired the car in 1987. The engine was rebuilt during McQueen's ownership, and the car has been treated to one high-quality repaint to the factory's original color scheme.
The Hudson Hornet is one of the most famous of the historically significant 'step down' Hudson model designs. The car's chassis architecture, and the way the body was mounted on it, meant that entering passengers stepped down modestly into the interior of the car, and this also allowed for a lower center of gravity, which improved road-holding. They were successful in racing, especially in the relatively new venue of NASCAR 'stock car' racing. The proven flathead six was originally rated at 140 horsepower. With 'Twin H-Power,' that figure rose to 170 horsepower, which employed a higher compression ratio, and the factory installation of dual Carter single barrel carburetors. In race trim, this yielded well over 200 horsepower.
In 2012, this car was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Monterey, California. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000-$60,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to an end, the car had been sold for the sum of $61,600, inclusive of the buyer's premium.By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012
2019 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $100,000-USD $200,000
Sale Price :
USD $165,000
2012 RM Auctions - Monterey
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $40,000-USD $60,000
Sale Price :
USD $61,600
1953 Hudson Hornet Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Hudson Hornet
(Data based on Model Year 1953 sales)
1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan Chassis#: 219399 Sold for USD$23,520 2024 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Chassis#: 7c257829 Sold for USD$9,900 2024 Mecum : Indy | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Chassis#: 232797 Sold for USD$35,000 2022 GAA : November 2022 | |
1953 HUDSON HORNET CLUB COUPE Chassis#: 7C265361 Sold for USD$36,300 2022 Gooding & Company : Scottsdale Geared Online | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Replica Sold for USD$58,000 2021 GAA : July 2021 | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe Sold for USD$44,000 2021 Mecum : Indy 2021 | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan Chassis#: 216678 Sold for USD$165,000 2019 RM Sothebys : Fort Lauderdale | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Sold for USD$9,000 2018 Carlisle Auction : Fall Carlisle | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe Chassis#: 209700 Sold for USD$31,900 2018 Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe Sold for USD$27,500 2017 Auctions America : Auburn Spring | |
1953 HUDSON HORNET CLUB COUPE Chassis#: 236797 Sold for USD$33,000 2017 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1953 HUDSON HORNET Chassis#: 7C218712 Sold for USD$33,000 2017 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan Sold for USD$31,350 2016 Auctions America : Auburn Fall | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible Chassis#: 7C229279 Sold for USD$187,000 2016 Gooding & Company : The Scottsdale Auction | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible Chassis#: 7C229279 Sold for USD$85,000 2015 Rick Cole Monterey | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe Chassis#: 207355 Sold for USD$18,700 2015 The Auburn Auction | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible Sold for USD$75,000 2015 Mecum - Rogers'Classic Car Museum 2015 | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Twin-H Convertible Twin-H Power Straight Six Chassis#: 7C229279 Sold for USD$150,000 2013 Mecum Auction - Anaheim 2013 | |
1953 Hudson Hornet 6 Sedan Sold for USD$50,600 2013 Auctions America - Auburn Spring | |
1953 Hudson Hornet Sold for USD$200 2012 Silver Auction - Quartzsite Collection |
Hudson Hornets That Failed To Sell At Auction
1953 Hudson Hornet's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1953 Hudson Hornet Hollywood | 2019 RM Auctions : Auburn Fall | ||||
1953 Hudson Hornet Hollywood | 208730 | 2019 Auburn Spring : RM Auctions | $35,000 | $45,000 | |
1953 Hudson Hornet | 2016 Dragone Auction Greenwich Weekend Auction | $20,000 | $25,000 | ||
1953 Hudson Hornet Twin H-Power Club Coupe | 228933 | 2015 H & H Auctions Imperial War Museum | |||
1953 Hudson Hornet 6 | 2015 Hollywood Motors : Amelia Island Select | ||||
1953 Hudson Twin Hornet | 2013 Mecum Auctions Monterey | $110,000 | |||
1953 Hudson Hornet | 7C265361 | 2009 Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey by RM Auctions | $48,500 | $60,000 | $80,000 |
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1953 Hudson Hornet
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