1946 Hudson Commodore Convertible Brougham

For 1946, Hudson emerged into the post-World War II era and re-entered the civilian automobile market. Their vehicles were facelifted versions of its prewar models. Power was from the proven L-head inline six- and eight-cylinder engines. Transmission options included Vacumotive Drive, Drive Master, and overdrive. Wheelbase length remained the same as before, measuring 121 inches throughout the model lineup.

The 1947 models remained mostly unchanged, as Hudson focused on the 'Step Down' design for the 1948 model year. Calendar-year total shipments for 1946 totaled 93,870 and 103,310 the following year.

The 1946 Hudson Commodore was available as a sedan and club coupe in both six- and eight-cylinder configurations. A Convertible Brougham was also available but with just the eight-cylinder engine. It would be rather rare, with approximately 140 units built for the Commodore Eight and 1,037 for the Super Six. To build the Convertible Brougham, a coupe body was pulled off the regular production line, its top cut off, and reinforcements were added to support the now-topless bodies.

The inline L-head six-cylinder engine displaced 212 cubic inches and offered just over 100 horsepower. The eight-cylinder engine displaced 254 cubic inches and had 128 horsepower.

The Commodore came standard with air foam seat cushions, blue gray plain cloth upholstery, crank-type ventipanes, door step courtesy lights, aluminum scuff plates, vertical rear window bars.

This 1946 Hudson Series 54 Commodore Eight Convertible Brougham was purchased by the Hostetlers in 1990 from Lyle Lamb of Hepburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. It was given a restoration by Pat and Jan Appenzeller of Milford, Indiana in 1993.

This Hudson has a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Power is from the eight-cylinder engine rated at 128 horsepower. There are twin fog lamps, clock, heater, radio, twin spotlights, rear-fender skirts, white sidewall tires, and telescopic front-fender indicators.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019