1948 Hudson Commodore Convertible

The original interior pieces (dash, trim, etc.) were shipped to a person in Vermont who was supposed to restore them like new.  Tom emailed him often for progress reports, and was told time and time again that our parts would soon be ready to ship.  Two years later they “would soon be ready”.  Tom went to Vermont to collect the trim pieces, found the man’s home and demanded his parts.  He was told they would soon be ready.  At that point he went to the county sheriff and recruited a deputy to accompany him to reclaim the pieces.  He was told by the sheriff that others before him had requested their services in similar fashion.  They knew the man. They knew his reputation. A deputy went with him and the man relinquished the parts.  Tom boxed them and shipped them home and found an artist outside of Durango who restored them.  His trip took a week and cost several thousand dollars; and he felt it was time and money well spent.

It was shortly after the Vermont adventure that Tom began to suspect he had the same Alzheimer’s disease his father and brother had.  A neurologist confirmed our fears.  His long-time friend, Bill Schoonover, assured him that together they could finish the project Tom had dreamed of for so many years.  And they did. Fifty years of dreams came true for Tom.  And me.  God intended that Tom would see his beloved car restored to its original beauty.  We are grateful to God, to Bill.

(Bill died in December, 2024.) He, like us, are delighted that our car can be shared with others who enjoy the beauty of old automobiles. "

Shine on, beautiful Hudson!

HISTORY

Hudson developed a new and radical car design. Production of the 1948 Hudsons began on 12 October 1947. Introduced on 7 December 1947, the Hudson Commodore was one of the first new-design postwar cars made. The 1948 model year inaugurated Hudson's trademarked "Monobuilt" construction or "step-down" automobile. The new cars were designed by Frank Spring and in part by Betty Thatcher, the first female designer to be employed by a car manufacturer. The marketing tagline for the innovative Hudsons was "Now You're Face to Face with Tomorrow."

The cars had a light and strong semi-unit body with a perimeter frame. Because of the encircling frame, passengers stepped down into the vehicles. Hudson's step-down design made the body lower than contemporary cars. It offered passengers the protection of being surrounded by the car's chassis with a lower center of gravity. In addition to the safety of being surrounded by the car's chassis, the step-down also allowed Hudson to achieve weight savings through the unibody construction, making for a well-performing automobile. The "monobuilt" or "step-down design also required less steel for its production.

The cars featured slab-sided bodies with fully integrated fenders. The Brougham and sedans were of a fastback design, while convertibles and coupes were notchbacks. A character line ran from the front to back further lowering the car even more visually, so "the new Hudson looked like a dream car straight from the auto show."

In 1948, Commodores came in one series and were available in either I6 or optional I8 engines. Interiors were upholstered in broadcloth on sedans, and leather on convertibles. Again, Hudson continued to provide numerous standard features that other manufacturers classified as upcharge options. Not only were the 1948 models "truly significant new designs of the early postwar years. The “Step-Down” Hudson was low and sleek, which many consumers really enjoyed." Total Commodore production was 62,474 of which 35,315 were I8 (in-line 8) units.

Cost about $3,057 in 1948 (equal to $40,295 in 2025)

262 ci (4.3L) Flathead Inline 6 Cylinder Engine, 6.5:1 Compression, Carter 2-barrel carburetor

Bore: 3.5625 in (90.49 mm) Stroke: 4.375 in (111.13 mm)

121 hp @4,000 rpm, 200 lb-ft @1,600 rpm, Maximum rpm: About 4,500 rpm

3 speed manual, 4.10:1 axle ratio (4.30 or 4.56 available)

~3,800-3,900 lb (1,723-1,401 kg) curb weight

Performance (Stock, estimated, 4.10 ratio):

0-60 mph: 17.5 seconds

1/4 mile: 21.1 seconds @65 mph

Top speed: ~90 mph (145 kph) (with 4.10 ratio, would be lower with 4.3 or 4.56 ratios)

Features...

Step-down perimeter frame, semi-unitized body (allows the car to be lighter, safer, and have a lower center of gravity)

Hydraulic brakes, with mechanical backup if hydraulics fail

Push button starter on the dash

Heating and ventilation

Radio

Clock

Dual glove compartments

Power convertible top

Cable driven windshield wipers, driven by one electric motor

Modifications:

Two 1-barrel carburetors (Called "Twin H Power" by Hudson, not available until 1952)

Original engine appears to have been replaced by a later 308 ci (5.05L) Hudson Inline 6 (~160 hp with dual carburetors), looks almost identical externally.

This car has been restored, and as a result some of the bolts and wiring have been updated with modern parts.