1952 Hudson Hornet Pickup

This Hudson Hornet 6 'Twin-H Power' Pickup was never factory produced as a regularly cataloged model. It is a recreation of the late Fritz Widmer using photographs of Hudson's original 1948 prototype as a reference. Widmer had a 1953 Hudson Hornet four-door sedan. With help from his mechanic, they removed everything aft of the B-pillar. They grafted the rear section of a Chevrolet five-window pickup cab and installed a hand-made cargo box. Upon completion, it was painted Seafoam Green, the same color as Mr. Widmer's Hudson Hornet Sedan and the Convertible Brougham. The interior was finished in two-tone green check-weave cloth upholstery – not offered for 1952 but factory-available for 1953.

Eldon Hostetler acquired this vehicle at an auction conducted on behalf of Mr. Widmer during October 2012, along with his 1952 Hudson Hornet Convertible Brougham. While in Mr. Hostetler's care, the engine bay and 308 cubic-inch 'Twin-H Power' engine have been cleaned and repainted, along with the repainting of the undercarriage.

This pickup has a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. It has a steel sun visor, a full-width grille- and bumper-guard assembly, door-handle scratch guards, a clock, heater, radio, tissue dispenser, chrome rain guards, and white sidewall tires, with a full spare wheel and tire located behind the cab in a 'through the cargo floor' mount.

Recently, this Prototype Pickup has been on long-term display at the Gilmore Car Museum located in Hickory Corners, Michigan.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2019