1947 Hudson Pickup

Description

Hands-down, Hudson pickup trucks like this 1947 example, are the best-looking utility vehicles ever built. Sure, this one has trick paint and a ton of time invested in the cosmetics, but looking underneath all that, you'll find the most perfectly proportioned pickup ever designed. Add in some Hornet-style horsepower and a functional interior, and you have an impressive cruiser that will always stand out in a crowd.

Just look at that long, pointed hood, the perfect proportions between the front end and the bed, and those gently tapering fenders that seem to suggest speed, even on a pickup truck. Yes, this one is a work of art. On top of that lovely factory sheetmetal (and yes, it's all original-no reproduction stuff for Hudsons) someone laid down some show-worthy electric magenta paint that dances in the sunlight. And if that wasn't enough, a full set of traditional flames lick across the front end to truly make a statement. And even if bright metallic pink with flames isn't your style, you can't help but stop and stare at this thing, and that's entirely the point. None of the sheetmetal was altered; that's how they came from the factory. In addition, all the chrome trim remains save for the rear bumper, which was removed to make room for a custom rear roll pan full of 1959 Cadillac bullet taillights. A few airbrushed details, including a mural on the tailgate, and you have a rolling piece of art that makes people stop and stare. Good or bad, this sucker makes a STATEMENT.

The interior is white vinyl with a lot of metallic in it-think amusement park ride. It's durable and comfortable, and the patterns are suitable for the 1940s truck, but like the paint, it's designed to make a statement. The dash was painted to match the body but the factory instruments remain, including the trick center stack that holds what appears to be the original AM radio. Some more fun pinstriping, auxiliary gauges under the dash, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel add to the custom look, and it's impossible to miss the skull motif going on behind your head. A custom shifter manages the TH350 3-speed automatic underneath, making this pickup as easy to drive as your regular car. Cool, right?

Mechanically, it packs the big 308 cubic inch inline-six that would be the foundation of the legendary Hornet. Massive torque and a great sound thanks to a custom dual exhaust system mean that this pickup is no wallflower. A big Holley 4-barrel carb feeds the beast and a few extra points of compression give it a snarky tone. MSD ignition components light the fires, and it's all nicely detailed under the hood. Underneath, it uses the stock suspension up front and a late-model 10-bolt rear, but the feel is surprisingly modern thanks to Hudson's independent front end and light steering. It sits exactly right thanks to a subtle lowering job, and wears classic polished Torque Thrust wheels wrapped in 185/70/14 radials up front and 29x12.5-15 Mickey Thompson meats in back.

Unusual? Heck yes! But with all the goodness of the original intact and some traditional custom touches, this Hudson makes a statement that will delight fans everywhere it goes. Call today!

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