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Jon B

There's an article in the new Old Cars Weekly written by a fellow who stopped and photographed a mystery Hudson in Roswell, Georgia, 10-15 years ago, which was then part of an estate sale. He thought the car was either customized, or a factory prototype.

In fact, it is the Hollywood that was customized by the Alexander brothers back when it was new, and driven over to the Hudson factory to see if management could be interested in adapting the design to the 1955 model year. The fellow who wrote the article apparently doesn't know the story behind the car.

The car was ultimately sold. Does anyone know what ultimately became of it?

(photo taken from the H.A.M.B. website)

bull islander

West Peterson (AACA mag editor) knew who had it a couple of years back. He was providing contact information as the owner was looking to sell. It may be on this forum history somewhere. Do not know if the person ever sold it.

Park_W

I have thought West Peterson's dad, Don, still has the car in Roswell. Not so?

Jon B

The article says that the writer (of the article) saw an ad in the Atlanta paper in the late 90s for a "1972 Karmann Ghia, '64 Studebaker, '54 Hudson". (The Stude turns out to have been a supercharged R2 Gran Turismo, which gives you some idea of the car knowledge of the estate administrator!) The cars were located in Roswell. The owner had died. The Hudson had been last licensed in 1985. Interestingly, it had hydraulic windows, obviously an owner add-on at some point.

That's all I know.

super-six

Try posting on the AACA forum or H.A.M.B. Possibly someone there would know.

Park_W

I just spoke with Don Peterson in Roswell, and the car is resting safely in his basement garage, as it has been since he bought it in about 1980. The previous owner was also in Roswell, and had the car for about twenty years.

Jon B

Thanks, Park, that answers the question. However, the writer of the article in OCW (this week) must be having major memory problems, because he's recalling seeing it for sale in Roswell, about 1999! Anyway, thanks for your information!

By the way, is your understanding of this car that it was customized by the Alexander brothers after a Hudson stockholder (Paul duCharme) was dismayed by Hudson's '54 styling and commissioned them to construct a better design? He then took the car to Hudson, hoping to convince them to use it as the 1955 Hudson?

Kdancy

this is very interesting, Does anyone have more pictures of this car?

Park_W

Jon, I've never discussed the history of this car with Don, and in fact I've never seen it. Blew the opportunity when we were living in adjacent town of Alpharetta.

Ric West IN

If you Google search or Yahoo, will find more info and pictures of this car.

Have fun,

"Ric"

Jon B

Here is a link to more photos (taken over the years) at a custom car website: http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_car_photos/customcars_i_like/hudson_custom_cars/1954-hudson-hard-top/

lostmind

I didn't see anything that was an improvement over Hudson design.

super-six

I didn't see anything that was an improvement over Hudson design.

No, I don't see any improvement either. The high cowl/beltline, streamline was in-style in 1948 but out-of-style by 1955. Hudson needed a completely new look.

Ken U-Tx

It looks like it was sectioned just above the mid body crease-line, and rather crudely so. The grill and hood vents are rather gross looking.

RL Chilton

I never thought it was any kind of "improvement", either. Point was all ready made, it was a very "dated" design by '55.

cargray

strange this subject came up now, but there is an article about this car in the current issue of OLD CARS weekly..It has been stored in a carport and looks very sad.

Park_W

It was stored in a carport 'til Mr. Peterson bought it. In his basement garage since.

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