1954 Hudson Italia

1954 Hudson Italia, click picture to enlarge.

It was really a shame that so many bright, intelligent car makers of this time era suffered the fate of closing down for one reason or another. Cars like the Hudson, Nash, Willis, Packard and Studebaker all had some very good qualities about them but they all went away and they ain't no moe. Shame, shame, but that was the way it was.

This Hudson Italia was one that I didn't know much about in those days. I was much more familiar with the Hudson Commodore and for that matter even the older Hudson Terraplane. Maybe I will do a story on the Terraplane sometime. The following information is from the Conceptcarz.com website and is used here only for information purposes and is not intended as a copywrite infringement.

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.
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 merged 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.