1953 Hudson Hornet Sedan

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