1950 Hudson Pacemaker

Hudson recommenced civilian production after World War II with a range of pre-war models prior to the introduction of unitary construction in 1948. Known as the 'Step Down' models, this advanced design was a farsighted move at a time when nearly the entire U.S. auto industry used a separate chassis. They earned the 'Step Down' name on account of their dropped floorpan. This allowed the new Hudsons to sit low and offered exceptional handling. This led to the company dominating NASCAR racing in the early 1950s.

In 1950, Hudson added a new short-wheelbase Pacemaker model to the range. In the front was a grille with four horizontal blades, which grew in size as they neared the bumper. Body styles included a sedan, Brougham, 6-passenger Club Coupe, coupe, and convertible brougham. The flathead six-cylinder engine displaced 232 cubic inches and delivered 112 horsepower. Standard equipment included Durafab plastic interior trim, adjustable visors, 18-inch steering wheel, two-piece curved Full-View windshield, front dome lamp, and lockable parcel compartment. In the back was a larger truck with a spare. Deluxe Pacemakers came with additional amenities and richer appointments.

Optional equipment included a mechanical or electric clock, bumper outer guards, white sidewall tires, rear-wheel fender skirts, foam rubber seat cushions, radio, heater, DriveMaster semi-automatic transmission, Supermatic, and overdrive manual transmission.

Approximately 39,455 Pacemaker 500s and 22,297 Pacemaker Deluxes were built in 1950. Approximately 1,865 were convertibles, and 660 were Pacemaker Deluxe convertibles.

Body styles included one four-door body style (the sedan) and four two-door body styles that included a coupe, convertible brougham, brougham, and club coupe. Prices began at $1,800 and rose to $2,445 for the Deluxe Convertible Brougham. The Coupe was the only body style not available with the Deluxe trim package.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2019