ClassicCar

hornet53

Hey all,

Going to Detroit tomorrow for business, and was hoping to drive over to where the factory used to stand. According to the search function on this forum it was located at the corner of E. Jefferson and Conner. Google maps show a huge Chrysler plant there and, I guess, the parking lot for the plant across the street. Where do the Hudson spirits lie? Under the factory, or the parking lot?

51hornetA

The front part of the Hudson factory the admin building still exists its owned by a boxing company. This is a pic of what it looks like today. This is the view from Connor ave. So get a pic in front of that....

normal_hudsonmotorcarcompanyb%7E2.jpg

Dave53-7C

Was located? It's still there. Check the link.

http://detroit1701.psc.isr.umich.edu/Aerocar-Hudson.html

51hornetA

Dave that is the original building from the pre 1920's that is not on Connor ave. The building I show is the building we most associate with Hudson.

Dave53-7C

If you remember, I posted this link on HMC.org. The first picture that comes up on the link is the original factory. The picture you show is also from my link, it is one of the later plants and is still there.

Jon B

The red brick building in the photo above, was Hudson's body factory on Gratiot Ave., I believe. It was later used by Cadillac until the 1980's (I think), and is now inhabited by a company that sells used machinery. There is a rumor that one of Hudson's gigantic body stamping presses from the Step-Down era, is still there, but that's unsubstantiated.

Hudson's very first plant also exists, a photo (taken "during the day") is on Alex Burr's website. Here is a direct link to the photo: http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0XwB3DlQd6nH2lO5rHipn*P5Lgc64C5r2cDVEvncYXghdOiD3tNLdvRdCutD0ynkCmuzCcx2wmPvIghTVwiMQrL8QKFI7nyqzX!XHr6O30rbLgB5k9pB8WZyr8Zk6IBZKtSz2sEJg6Wo/P?dc=4675291219319194288

(I didn't print the photo here because it is awfully large). Hudson moved out of this plant as soon as they had the one and Conner and Jefferson built.

The entire factory complex at Conner and Jefferson, including the administration building, are long gone.

dummy

If You Are Going To Be In Detroit Monday Evening, The Hudson Club, Home Chapter, Is Having A Dinner And Meeting. Its At Leon's Resturant. On Michigan Ave. In Dearborn. Come On Buy. 6:30

Dave53-7C

The main Hudson plant was huge and occupied land between Pennsylvania, Waterloo, Conner and Jefferson Avenues. Although some buildings have been raised, the red building pictured above (6501 Conner) is currently owned and occupied by Ivan Doverspike Co. After Hudson production left Detroit, this building (complete with HUDSON in huge letters on the roof) was then sold to Cadillac. The 6500 Mack Avenue building (first photo) is currently occupied by several restaurants. These are just a few examples of Hudson facilities which still exist.

hornet53

Thanks guys. Turns out my trip was cancelled last week, except I was not informed until I arrived at the Detroit Metro Airport. Only spent a few hours there before I caught a flight back to Raleigh. Have to check it out next time. Thanks again.

Aaron D. IL

I know one could make a strong argument that doing so would be depressing, but I don't care...... I hope that during the 2009 National meet we will all either drive by the remaining standing buildings as a salute.... or stop and park for some photos for a while. ... and maybe if we're lucky substantiate whether or not that original press still exists in that building. I need some new fenders stamped out. hehe

Hudson308

I was hoping (assuming?) such a tour is planned for the 2009 Nats as well, Aaron. What would also be cool are some "then and now" shots of the buildings above, as well as the "Ivy Tower" location, taken from the exact same vantage point.

hudnut1tmr

Now I know why I purchased my first Hudson! I went to high school in one of the towns (Harvey, IL) that supplied engines for the very first models. Funny it took me 20+ years to learn that. Thanks for the link.

Tim

Aaron D. IL

hudnut1tmr wrote:

Now I know why I purchased my first Hudson! I went to high school in one of the towns (Harvey, IL) that supplied engines for the very first models. Funny it took me 20+ years to learn that. Thanks for the link.

Tim

I suppose I'll Email someone from the MI Chapter and ask them if such a trip is planned during the National. --- Yeah I know Harvey IL. They say early Hudson's had more than one foundry/engine supplier. One old timer (although I don't know his source) said Hudson actually owned or had a large stake in Continental Motors and they were the buildres of some of the early engines.

Dave53-7C

Continental built engines for Hudson until 1916.

frank spring

A few more factory pictures on my web site if you want to take a look.

http://www.hudsonmotorcarcompany.com/hudsonhistory.html

Dave53-7C

How are things going in Ft. Wayne? We're hearing news reports of frozen flood waters there. :eek: Hope everything is OK for you.

frank spring

We are in pretty good shape here in Ft Wayne. A little extra water, but nothing we are not used to.

Dave53-7C

Good to hear. Hopefully, things will dry out by the time the Hudson season begins.

hudsontech

Dave53-7C wrote:

Continental built engines for Hudson until 1916.

Atlas supplied the first engines for 1909-early 1910; Buda in 1910-1911; and Continental 1911-1916 (Model 6-40 in 1916).

Another interesting fact is the 1914-1916 Hudson 6-40 engine was the same bore and stroke (3Â½ x 5 for 288.6 cid) as the Super-Six engine. Took me a long time to connect the dots - the 6-40 engine was designed by Hudson engineers, but built by Continental.

Just a couple facts to be found in my General Information Handbook.

Hudsonly,

Alex Burr

HudsonTech

Memphis, TN

www.freewebs.com/hudsontech

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