1950 Hudson Commodore Convertible Brougham

The Hudson Commodore was introduced in the early 1940s, was halted during World War II, and resumed production beginning in 1946. It would remain in production until 1952.

While most other manufacturers used the traditional body-on-frame, forcing their passengers to climb up to enter them, Hudson designers placed the passenger compartment down inside the chassis. A sturdy perimeter frame encircled the passenger compartment providing additional safety and rigidity. The Hudson design allowed passengers to step down into the car, and it provided a lower center of gravity and vastly improved handling.

The new Hudsons were unveiled to the public in December 1947 and were priced from $2,448, making them an excellent value. They were available with six or eight-cylinder engines along three body styles.

This 1950 Hudson Commodore Six Convertible was the top-of-the-line model for 1950 in the Hudson model line-up. It was once owned by the legendary actor, racing driver, and automobile and motorcycle enthusiast Steve McQueen. It is one of four Hudsons owned by McQueen. At some point in its life, the original engine was replaced by a high-compression, 308 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine, with a mild camshaft and a 'Twin H-Power' induction system with dual carburetors. The car was sold just shortly before McQueen's death, to a friend, who placed the car into long-term, dry storage in a San Bernardino, California warehouse.

Due to its careful preservation, the Commodore remains mostly original, with the exception of an older repaint in white with a dark gold lower section. The inside has its original maroon leather upholstery and is well equipped with working power windows and a power-operated convertible top, driver's side spotlight, clock, accessory gauges mounted under the dash, and an original pushbutton-operated AM radio.

In 2009, this Commodore Six Convertible was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was expected to sell for $75,000 - $100,000. As bidding came to a close, the lot had been sold for $42,900, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2014