1915 Hudson Model Six-40 Roadster Pickup

The Hudson Motor Car Company's ascension to popularity was rapid due to its solid and well-engineered construction offered at an affordable price. For 1914, the Detroit-based company switched to an all-six-cylinder lineup, making the performance and power more attainable to the driving public. Minor refinements arrived in 1915, including a honeycomb radiator and an electric horn operated via a steering wheel-mounted button. The 288.5 cubic-inch inline-six-cylinder engine now offered 42 horsepower and was controlled via a three-speed manual transmission.

This particular Hudson began life as a Six-40 Roadster and, at some point in its existence, was converted into a home-built pickup truck of sorts. It gained the home-built bed at the rear, which afforded it utilitarian qualities that broadened its usefulness.

The conversion process required the removal of the rear decklid and a sturdy wooden box inserted in its place.

Original features found on this vehicle include Corning Conaphore headlamp lenses, a driver's side spotlight, a 'suicide'-style passenger door, and a pair of side-mounted spare tires.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2021