1952 Hudson Pacemaker Club Coupe

On December 7th, 1947, Hudson introduced its new 'Step-Down' cars. Hudson announced that 'You're face to face with tomorrow,' and signaled a new direction for the company. The new Hudsons were sleek, comfortable, and roomy. Buyers agreed, and sales rose nearly 50 percent over 1947 levels, bringing them from 13th to 11th place in American sales rankings.

Hudson's top offerings through 1950 were the Commodore 6 and 8. The Pacemaker 6 made its debut in 1950 as the company's entry-level offering. This lower-priced Hudson model helped stimulate sales. Initially offered in Standard and Deluxe trim levels and five body styles, the Pacemaker was a single series for 1951 and then, in 1952, joined by the upmarket Wasp.

Power was supplied from the company's 232 CID inline six-cylinder engine offering 112 horsepower. For 1952, just three Pacemaker body styles were offered, including the Sedan, Two-Door Brougham, and Club Coupe.

Eldon Hostetler owned a Hudson Pacemaker 6 while he was early in his career with the Buckeye Incubator Company during the 1950s. Years later, wanting to collect some of the cars he drove in his youth, he purchased this Pacemaker 6. It was acquired by the Hostetlers in 1983 and was their first of many classic Hudson automobiles. It was purchased locally at auction from Mr. Mullet, a retiring employee of the Middlebury, Indiana Post Office who was planning a move to Florida. At the time, the car was sound and complete but needed a total restoration.

Currently, this car is highly original and well-preserved. It has been repainted once in its present dark green and light yellow exterior. Inside, there is tan and brown cloth. The chassis and engine bay are unrestored and mostly original. The engine has been recently repainted.

This Pacemaker has a heater, radio, front and rear bumper guards, and dual windshield wipers. It rides on original wheels with white sidewall tires. There are a three-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2019