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Surviving Hudsons are few and far between
 A 1947 Hudson Commodore Series 174. (www.Plan59.com) 
The folks shown in the illustration are all decked out for an evening in the country at the Summer Playhouse, transported there by a ‘47 Hudson Commodore Series 174, itself decked out in lustrous “Royal Red”– a $23 extra and one of just ten colors on the palette for that year. The full wheel covers, standard equipment on Commodores, were offered with red or cream accents at no additional cost. The late afternoon ride to the country was probably a comfortable adventure traveling in the ritzy Commodore, particularly with its standard air foam seat cushions and “Weather Master” heater– a $50 option. The driver (in all probability one of the two men in the scene) had it easy if his Hudson was equipped with the optional ($40) “Vacumotive Drive”, a vacuum-operated system which automatically engaged and disengaged the clutch, or “Drive-Master” at $98 (including Vacumotive Drive) which totally eliminated clutch and shifting operations. Standard gear changing fare was a three-speed manual, available with overdrive for an additional $88. Entertainment during that long ride to the country came in the form of an optional AM radio, tagged at $77 and I’m pretty sure that spacious Commodore cabin was often graced with the dulcet tones of Bing Crosby, Jo Stafford, Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore and countless other pop artists of the day. Hudsons for ‘47 were available in two model series, the entry level “Super” and the tonier “Commodore”. Both models offered a choice of six- or eight-cylinder power. The Series ‘173’ designation in the Super (Sedan and Club Coupes only) and ‘174’ in Commodores (all body styles), indicated that the larger, eight cylinder engine was lurking under the prolonged, narrow-nosed hood. The Hudson line of automobiles dates back to 1909 when the first models rolled out the door of its Detroit-based assembly plant. A group of eight Detroit area businessmen joined forces to form the company whose goal it was to produce a car for less than $1,000. The company was named after one of the founders, Joseph L. Hudson, a Detroit area department store tycoon who fronted the lion’s share of the start-up capital. One of the most influential and knowledgeable “car guys” among the founding fathers, was a young executive named Roy D. Chapin Sr. Chapin had spent some of his developing years working with Ransom E. Olds. Surviving Hudsons are few and far between these days. About the only place you’re likely to see a scant handful is at the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri’s annual Easter Concours d’ Elegance held in Forest Park. A quick scan of Auto Trader Classics on-line for Hudsons for sale resulted in only seven hits... none of which were 1947 models. So, if you’re dead set on finding a forty-seven Hudson to take to the 5th Annual Columbia Kiwanis Charity Car Show coming up Saturday, September 5, in Columbia, Illinois, you’d better get crankin’! And IF you are lucky enough to find one, the Old Cars Price Guide says you can expect to pay around eighteen thou plus for a trophy-winning club coupe like the one shown above. When compared to more popular collectibles and considering the scarcity of the marque, that’s not an unreasonable fare. The trick is finding one for sale with an owner willing to sell at that figure. Good luck! For details on the Columbia Kiwanis Charity Car Show, proceeds of which go to benefit the Kiwanis Educational Enrichment Program, e-mail jhuch@htc.net or jsriley3@yahoo.com. You can learn more about the once-proud Hudson line of automobiles by visiting the free, on-line Hudson club at hudsonclub.org.
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