1954 Hudson Italia

The Hudson Motor Car Company began producing automobiles in Detroit in 1909. They prospered during the years that followed, building a durable and attractive product that found favor with the motoring community. During World War II, when civilian automobile production was suspended, they mulled ideas for its postwar automobiles. When the government released manufacturers to resume building civilian automobiles, Hudson was further along with its ideas than most of its competitors. They were smaller than the 'Big Three' and had fewer resources, but they were also more agile and more willing to gamble their future on a bold and daring redesign. In 1948, Hudson introduced an all-new post-WWII model, beating the Big Three to market (who continued to offer post-WWII designs).

The new Hudson automobile had a revolutionary 'step-down' design had a 'Monobilt' semi-unit construction with a perimeter frame that was located outside the passenger compartment and the rear wheels. With the passenger footwells dropping inside the frame, the car had a low center of gravity, which translated to a reduced body height, better handling, and greater performance. This new 'step-down' design, combined with the company's 'Twin-H' dual carburetor package, was very successful in NASCAR and AAA stock car racing circuits. In 1952 alone, the Hudson won 40 of 48 stock car races.

By the early 1950s, Hudon's competitors had introduced high-compression V-8 engines, bringing Hudson's competitive advantage to an end. Hudson retaliated with the Hudson Jet in 1954, a compact automobile whose development and marketing ultimately led to the company's merger with Nash-Kelvinator, forming American Motors Corporation (AMC).

The Hudson Super Jet Concept

Hudson's Chief Body Engineer, Frank Spring, championed the idea of a lightweight and streamlined coupe that could rekindle the company's competition pedigree. As a halo car, it was intended to revive enthusiasm for the brand, demonstrate the company's ability to build exciting automobiles, compete with European sports cars, gauge public reaction to new styling ideas, and increase the brand's recognition.

Spring's idea was rendered as a general concept by Art Kibiger and his small Hudson design staff. A minimum of twenty-five examples had to be constructed if it were to qualify for entry into Mexico's Carrera Panamericana race, where Marshall Teague had just finished sixth overall in a Hudson Hornet. Since Hudson was unable to produce such a small quantity cost-effectively, the job was outsourced to Italy's Carrozzeria Touring.

A complete Hudson Jet was sent to Italy, where Touring removed the external bodywork and replaced it with a lightweight, sleek, and streamlined interpretation of the Hudson concept. The work was performed under the supervision of Spring and Hudson's vice president, Stuart Baits.

Known initially as the 'Super Jet,' it had doors that cut 14 inches into the roof, a wraparound windshield, steeply sloped side windows, and rode on Borrani chrome wire wheels.

The interior retained the Jet's step-down footwells, which were lowered even further by Touring designers to complement the styling of the low-roof. Spring designed the anatomically shaped seats with two-piece backrests. Air vents fed from a bladder within the seat cushion, forcing cool air into the seatbacks. The flow-through cabin ventilation was another contribution from Spring.

Beneath the bonnet was the Jet's 202 cubic-inch inline 'six' with Twin-H carburetion delivering 114 rated horsepower. It was paired with Hudson's three-speed manual transmission that was controlled via a column-mounted shifter.

The Hudson Super Jet Concept was built at a reported cost of $28,000 and completed in September 1953. It was shown at numerous Hudson dealerships across the country by late 1953 and was exhibited at automobile shows in the United States and some in Europe, as well as at the International Sports Car Show held in January 1954.

The Hudson Italia

With positive reception from the public and approval from management, 25 Jets were shipped to Touring for bodywork. Now known as the Italia, Hudson debuted its new model at the December 1953 Detroit Auto Show. Production, however, did not commence until August 1954, months after Hudson's merger with Nash-Kelvinator and shortly before the closure of Hudson's Detroit factories. As the first deliveries of the Italia were being made, it was an 'orphan' car.

The styling of the Italia differed from the Super Jet, being 10 inches lower and having a large inverted 'V' at the center of the front bumper. There were front brake-cooling air intakes atop the headlamps in V-shaped scoops. Another set of brake-cooling ducts for the rear was located just behind the doors, at the leading edges of the skirted fenders. The triple chrome tubes located at the rear fenders contained the taillights. The Super Jet had overdrive; the Italia did not. Additionally, the production Italia had a different instrument panel and a combination of leather-and-vinyl upholstery. Red was a prominent color throughout the interior, used on the leather seat belts, the non-reflecting dash, the deep-pile Italian carpet, and the bucket seats (the seats were red and white leather). Amenities included a radio and a flow-through ventilation system that was fed via a cowl vent.

Three different foam rubber densities were used for the form-fitting bucket seats, and featured reclining backrests made up of two contoured bolsters, one for the lower back and one for the shoulders. The lower portion of the seats was firmer than the upper portion, with air space between these two cushions to promote air 'breathability.'

The only access to the trunk was from within the vehicle. Straps were available to hold cargo, and lockable storage compartments on either side of the platform.

The wheelbase measured 105 inches and it had an overall length of 183 inches, a height of 54 inches, and a width of 70 inches. The 202 cubic-inch L-head straight-6 engine had 8:1 compression, dual one-barrel (single choke) downdraft carburetors, and produced 114 horsepower. Drum brakes were located behind all four wheels.

Production, Pricing and Reception

The hand-built Italia was priced at US$4,350 at the New York port of entry (POE) or $4,800 FOB Detroit. This meant the Italia was one of the most expensive automobiles in the United States.

Hudson sent what is believed to have been 50 cars to Italy to be converted into the Italia. Hudson dealers began taking orders on September 23, 1953, and as many as 19 firm orders were received. The poor reception was attributed to the high price tag, the company's financial woes, and changes in consumer preferences. Approximately three months after dealers began taking orders for the Italia, Hudson Motors and Nash-Kelvinator Corporation announced a merger to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). By May 1954, Hudson was completely consolidated under AMC, and all Hudson dealers soon received an announcement stating a deadline for pre-paid orders from customers for the cars assembled in Italy. It is believed that total production reached 26 units.

by Dan Vaughan

GT Sport Coupe by Touring

Hudson Motor Car Company began the manufacture of automobiles in Detroit in 1909 and merged with Nash in 1954 to form American Motors Corporation. The Hudson nameplate was continued for three more years, ending in 1957. Prior to the merger, Hudson, like many other car companies, set out to build a sports car to bring attention to the brand and to bring customers into the showroom.

Hudson created the Italia, a car built on the 1954 Hudson Jet chassis, with a hand-formed aluminum body built by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy. Only 26 cars were produced. All cars were Italian Cream in color with red and cream interiors. They were equipped with Borrani wheels. The cost to the dealer for the Italia was $4,800.

The car displayed here is number 22 and was originally purchased in California by an individual who worked as a scientist for NASA and the space program.

This car has undergone a complete restoration between the years 2000 and 2003. Over 20 items had to be custom-made to the original specifications by borrowing and copying pieces from other Italia owners.

GT Sport Coupe by Touring

The arresting Italia was Hudson's way of reminding the auto industry that it wasn't dead yet. Although it was built on the chassis of the compact jet, it was strikingly clothed in an aluminum body by Italy's carrozzeria Touring. Only 26 examples were made. Styled by Frank Spring and influenced by aircraft design, the Italia had a wraparound windshield, doors that cut into the roof for easier entry, and a pioneering flow-through ventilation system that made vent windows unnecessary. Front fender scoops that cooled the brakes, fake triple exhausts that held the taillights and turn signals, and an inverted-V 'praying mantis' front bumper contributed to its distinctive appearance. Announced as a produced model on the same day Hudson approved a merger with Nash, the Italia was to be Hudson's answer to the Corvette and the Thunderbird. This example is the only completely original car left. Even the tires are original equipment, and the car is totally unrestored.

GT Sport Coupe by Touring

Hudson Motor Car Company began the manufacture of automobiles in Detroit in 1909 and merged with Nash in 1954 to form American Motors. In 1952, Hudson was in the throes of its biggest postwar gamble, the Hudson Jet. Two years later, Hudson created the Italia, a car built on the 1954 Hudson Jet chassis, with a hand-formed aluminum body built by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy.

Amazingly, of the 26 that were built, 21 have been found to date. It is interesting to note that all but one of the missing 5 are in serial numbers 5 through 10. The two in this group that have surfaced are both in Europe, leading to speculation that these six cars were never delivered to America. It could have had something to do with Hudson's bankruptcy. All cars were Italian cream in color with red and cream interiors. They were equipped with Borrani wheels.

The cost to the dealer for the Italia was $4,800. The Italia was truly one of the most uniquely designed American sports cars produced during the 1950s, which is no doubt why so many survived.

This vehicle has undergone a complete professional restoration between the years 2000 and 2003 by the current owners. Over 20 items had to be remade to the original specifications by borrowing and copying pieces from other Italia owners.

GT Sport Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: IT10011

This 1954 Hudson Italia Coupe with coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring is number 11 of the 26 built. It is an 'Italo-American' hybrid that has an Italian body with Hudson mechanical components. Much of the design was done by Hudon's design chief Frank Spring. Spring had been schooled in Paris and had a fascination with European designs. He was an aeronautical engineer with the U.S. Army during World War I and later became general manager of the coach-building Walter M. Murphy Company in California in the 1920s. In 1927, he was tasked with designing a series of bodies for Hudson. By 1931, he had become Hudson's 'Style Engineer,' which gave him charge of all Hudson exterior and interior styling from the 1933 models until the merger with Nash in 1954.

Spring worked closely with Touring staff in the creation of the Hudson Italia. A Hudson Jet was sent to Milan, and an aluminum coupe body hand-formed on its chassis over a tubular superstructure. It had a one-piece wrap-around windshield with vertical A-pillars, functional scoops over the headlamps, and ornamental exposed 'organ pipes' that resembled exhaust stacks. The Italia had seating for two, with a large area behind the bucket seats reserved for luggage. Mounted under the bonnet was a dual carburetor 'Twin-H power' version of the Jet's 202 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine. There was a three-speed overdrive transmission and Borrani wire wheels.

In the summer of 1953, the prototype was completed. Spring went to Europe to supervise its completion. Upon completion, Hudson dealers were invited to place orders for the car with the suggested sale price of $4,800.

Dealer response was low, so Hudson ordered 25 production models. The cars followed closely to the design of the prototype, though there were subtle differences. The production cars had an ordinary Hudson instrument cluster, leather-and-vinyl upholstery in place of all leather, and the elimination of overdrive.

The struggling Hudson Motor Car Company was combined with rival Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors Corporation on May 1st, 1954. Though the merger was of equals, the union was dominated by Nash, the stronger partner. Hudson became a re-trimmed Nash with Hudson and even Packard engines.

This Italia was once part of the legendary Harrah collection. It has been repainted in the current silver color and upholstered in red and black leather.

In 2008, the car was offered for sale at the 'Quail Lodge, A Sale of Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia' where it was estimated to sell for $275,000 - 325,000. As the auction came to a close, the car had been unsold.

The car was then given a comprehensive cosmetic restoration, including a fresh exterior finish in the original and correct cream-yellow color. It was also given a new and correct red and tan interior.

In 2009, this Italia Coupe with coachwork by Touring of Mila was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. It was expected to sell for $275,000 - $350,000. It sold for a high bid of $275,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

GT Sport Coupe by Touring

This automobile is one of only twenty-six Hudson Italias ever produced. Designed by Frank Spring with detail touches by Carlo Anderloni, the aluminum bodies were made by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan. This highly detailed model was announced as a production vehicle on January 14, 1954; the same day that Hudson's merger with Nash Motors was approved. These were to be image cars for the new company, hoping to steal the thunder from the newly introduced Corvette, Thunderbird, and Chrysler Ghia specials. All were four-seat grand touring cars except for one two-seat prototype. These cars were so highly treasured that 21 of the original 26 still survive today.

This example is a three-owner vehicle which is all original except for a repaint in its original color which was done in 1962. The original Hudson Jet mechanicals makes the driving experience as enjoyable as ever.

GT Sport Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: IT 10025

Frank Spring, Hudson's design chief, crafted much of this Italo-American hybrid. The car (chassis IT 10025) has a coupe body built by Touring Milan on a Hudson Jet. Today, 21 of the original 26 cars manufactured still exist. This unrestored coupe was the last of the series and still carries its original paint over the hand-formed aluminum body.

This Hudson Italia is the 17th of 25 produced for the Hudson Motor Car Company from 1953 to 1955 by Touring Body Works in Milano, Italy. The Italia started out as Hudson's compact model, the Jet. Touring removed the Jet's monobuilt body from its substructure and modified the floor plan to allow adequate headroom. A thin-walled tube frame was then welded to the pan from which they attached their hand-formed aluminum panels. Frank Spring, Hudson's chief engineer, worked closely with Touring's Carlo Anderloni to create the design. Trend-setting advances such as air-cooled brakes, flow-through ventilation, and lumbar supporting seats were incorporated into the design. All 25 cars were delivered in the same color - Italian Cream with a red and cream leather interior. Several of the first units were premiered at dealerships around the country. When customers desired to purchase a car, they had to pay the down payment and turn in their car (trade-in) three to six months before receiving the car.

GT Sport Coupe by Touring
Chassis number: IT10003
Engine number: IT10001

In 1931, Frank Spring left Murphy Coachbuilders to lead Hudson's new styling department. After World War 1, Hudson introduced their 'Step Down' models, which featured a low and sleek design. Hudson's all-new postwar model line beat the 'Big Three' to market and thoroughly dominated stock car racing's formative years. In 1953, Hudson introduced their new compact Jet that formed the basis for a special offshoot developed by Spring to test public response to advanced styling concepts that might grace future Hudson models. It was named the Italia. The Continental-inspired GT had leading-edge exterior cues with attractive interior treatment, including split-back bucket seats with safety belts, a wrinkle-finished dash, and a rear luggage shelf. Borrani wire-spoke wheels and whitewall tires added to the vehicle's appeal.

The complete Jets were sent to Milan, where Carrozzeria Touring stripped most of the bodywork and clothed them in their patented superleggera coachwork with small-diameter steel tubes supporting lightweight hand-formed aluminum panels. The Jet's inline six was given twin carburetors but retained its three-speed manual transmission.

The demand for these elegant vehicles was great, but Italia production halted in the wake of the Hudson-Nash merger at a generally agreed 25 examples plus the prototype and four-door X-161.

Although the Hudson Italia was crafted in Italy by Carrozzeria Touring, the design came from Hudson staff designer Tom Spring. They were built on a Jet chassis as an image car for the brand to compete directly with Corvette, Thunderbird, and the Chrysler Ghia show cars. The body was hand-formed aluminum.

Unfortunately, the car model was announced on the same day that Hudson's merger with Nash was approved. As a result, only 26 were ever built. Fortunately, 21 are still known to exist today.

This example has been fully restored and is a Pebble Beach Concours award winner. It is the third production car of the series and the fourth built in total. It was sold new to its first owner in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second owner, Carl Laska, acquired the Italia during the early 1980s, retaining the car until 1996, when he sold it to Art Healey of New York. The current owner acquired the car in 2005. In 2009, he commissioned its complete restoration to concours level standards.

The car has two-tone split-back bucket seats, early-style seat belts, and rear luggage shelf.

Produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, the Hudson Italia was a compact car with limited production capacity. It was designed by Frank Spring in cooperation with Carrozzeria Touring of Italy during the 1954 and 1955 model years.

Toying around with the design for an Experimental Sports Car, Frank worked closely with Carlo Felice Bianchi Anderloni, the chief designer of Touring Body Works of Milan, Italy.

The all-aluminum prototype was displayed to dealerships across the country in 1953 and met with enthusiasm at first.

Though it came with its own unique body and interior, the Italia was still based on the Hudson Jet. Passed off as the 'Super Jet' at first and featuring more updated features and advancements, the Italia came with an aluminum body, wrap-around windshield, and vinyl bucket seats.

Lower than the Jet by 10 inches, the low-slung Italia came with a price tag of $4,350.

Stylish and sleek, the Italia featured 'V'-shaped scoops over the headlights on the front fenders. The front bumper also sported a large inverted 'V' overlapping the grille work and angling upwards over the front. The rear quarter panels featured scalloped cut-outs, and the rear quarter scoops cooled the rear brakes.

Unfortunately, the Italia lasted through production with only a mere 26 vehicles. Hudson Motor Company suffered financial difficulties and went bankrupt in 1954. Of the 26 models that were built, 21 have resurfaced to date.

The Italia was truly one of the most uniquely designed American sports cars produced during the 1950s, which is no doubt why so many survived.

by Jessican Donaldson