1949 Hudson Commodore Custom

American automobile manufacturers scrambled to resume peacetime production following the close of World War II. Initially, they were faced with supply shortages and labor disputes. Trying to meet the fierce pent-up demand for new cars, existing prewar automobile designs were placed back into production. Updates were often minimal as they focused their efforts on creating fresh new designs.

Hudson, an independent from Detroit, was one of the first automakers to introduce an all-new design, called its 'Step-Down' model. The design work had been led by Frank Spring and represented a revolutionary re-design from the traditional body-on-frame construction, which forced occupants to step-up and into their vehicles. The Hudson design consisted of a sturdy perimeter frame that encircled the passenger compartment and rear wheels. The bodies were of rigid semi-unitized construction. Along with allowing passengers easy entry and exit, it also gave the Hudson's enhanced road holding by virtue of the low center of gravity.

Hudson unveiled this new design in December of 1947, for the 1948 model year. They were built along two distinct lines - the Special with six- and eight-cylinder power, and the top-of-the-line Commodore Six and Eight. For 1949, changes to the Commodores were minimal, now called the 'Commodore Custom.'

Hudson had limited capital yet Hudson managed to widen its trim levels and introduced new models, all while retaining the basic 'Step-Down' Commodore in production through 1954 when the independent company ultimately merged with Nash to form American Motors.

The 1949 Hudson L-head six-cylinder engine displaced 262 cubic-inches and offered 121 horsepower. The 254 cubic-inch eight-cylinder produced 128 bhp. Features found on the Commodore Custom included bumper guards, rear window reveal moldings, 18-inch Deluxe steering wheel with full circle horn ring, and metal hand rails on the back of the front seats.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019