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A Stylish Survivor from the Fabulous Fifties: The Hudson Hornet, produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company, was a significant automobile of the early 1950s, renowned for its streamlined “step-down” body design and impressive performance, particularly in stock car racing. The 1952 model year represents a continuation of this iconic design, offering a blend of post-war style and engineering innovation. This particular 1952 Hudson Hornet sedan, refinished in a striking yellow and green color scheme under previous ownership, offers a glimpse into this era with a replacement 308 cubic inch inline-six engine equipped with the desirable Twin H-Power induction system.
Twin H-Power Performance: Under the hood of this Hornet resides a replacement 308 cubic inch inline-six engine, a robust and torquey powerplant. The key feature is the Twin H-Power induction system, utilizing dual carburetors to enhance airflow and fuel delivery, resulting in improved performance over the standard single-carburetor setup. While specific horsepower figures for this configuration in 1952 typically ranged around 160-170 horsepower, the Twin H-Power equipped Hornets were known for their strong acceleration and impressive top speeds for the era, particularly in the hands of legendary drivers like Marshall Teague and Herb Thomas on the NASCAR circuit. This engine is paired with a four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission, providing smooth and relatively advanced shifting for its time, delivering power to the rear wheels. Noteworthy recent maintenance includes an oil change and the replacement of the 6-volt battery under current ownership. It is noted that the engine exhibits an oil leak.
Distinctive Styling and Period Features: The 1952 Hudson Hornet’s “step-down” design, where the floorpan was recessed into the frame, provided a lower center of gravity, contributing to its excellent handling. This sedan is finished in a unique yellow and green color scheme applied under previous ownership. Exterior features include 14-inch steel wheels with covers, drum brakes, a driver-side spotlight, and a windshield visor, all characteristic of the era. The headlights and other bulbs were replaced in 2016, and touch-ups were performed in 2019. The selling dealer notes some paint chips and a cracked rear quarter glass. The car rides on beige-finished 15-inch steel wheels fitted with Coker Classic whitewall tires. The brakes were adjusted in 2018, and in 2020 the front end was rebuilt, and three brake hoses were replaced. A brake fluid flush was performed in March 2025.
Comfortable Interior with Vintage Charm: The interior of this 1952 Hornet features bench seats upholstered in black with tufted striped cloth inserts, complemented by color-coordinated door panels, brown carpeting, and a brown headliner. Period-correct appointments include a Hudson-branded AM radio, visors with vanity mirrors, and a tissue holder located below the glovebox. A three-spoke steering wheel sits in front of instrumentation that includes a 0-to-110 mph speedometer, a clock, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, along with warning lights for oil and amperage. An aftermarket gauge pod has been added under the dash. A handwritten logbook accompanying the car indicates that the wiring harness was redone in 2015, the window felts were replaced in 2016, the brake-light switch was replaced in 2019, and the radio was repaired in 2021. It is noted that the headliner shows some water damage. The five-digit odometer displays 77,000 miles, though true mileage is unknown. A driveshaft U-joint was replaced under current ownership.
Summary:
- 1952 Hudson Hornet sedan.
- Refinished in yellow and green.
- Replacement 308ci inline-six with Twin H-Power.
- Four-speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission.
- 14″ steel wheels with covers and whitewall tires.
- Drum brakes.
- Spotlight and windshield visor.
- Bench seats with black upholstery and striped cloth inserts.
- Hudson-branded AM radio.
Disclaimer: Information provided is based on available details and the seller’s description. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of the vehicle’s condition, history, and the authenticity of the replacement engine and its components.
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