Lot 19
1952 Hudson 'Twin H-Power' Hornet Six Coupe
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

308 cid inline L-head six-cylinder engine, ‘Twin H-Power’ intake system with two Carter single-barrel carburetors, 170 HP at 3,800 RPM, GM Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, leaf spring rear suspension, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 124”


Founded in 1948 by Bill France, Sr., the National Association of Stock Car Racing (NASCAR) quickly grew into the most popular motorsports body in North America. Featuring truly “stock” production-based cars with strictly limited modifications, factory-available heavy-duty parts, and rough-and-tumble men wrenching and driving, the series was soon revolutionized and dominated by the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet.” As part of the updated 1951 “Step Down” Hudson models that were introduced during December 1950, the 145-horsepower Hornet Six marked the beginning of great things to come. Now with a highly competitive entry from Hudson, the Milford Brothers decided to enter a Hornet at the 160-lap 1951 Beach Race to be held at Daytona Beach. When their first-choice driver Glenn “Fireball” Roberts had already agreed to drive a Plymouth, he told the Milfords to give local hotshot Marshall Teague a try. Their faith was rewarded immediately when Teague qualified 6th at 96.48 mph and ran with the leaders until Lap 28 when he walked away for good and won, finishing over a minute ahead of Tim Flock’s Lincoln.

After the race, Teague walked unannounced into the Detroit offices of Hudson Motor Car Company and left with sponsorship – the first such deal in NASCAR – and for 1951 and 1952, he was member of the Hudson factory team, driving the “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” stock cars. Racing against the new OHV V-8 cars from GM and Chrysler, Hudson’s Hornet was powered by a 308-cid “flathead” straight-six engine expertly tuned by Henry “Smokey” Yunick. This engine, combined with ‘Twin H-Power’ dual-carburetion, the car’s low center of gravity, good aerodynamics and relatively light weight kept the Hornets dominant through 1954. Teague won 7 of his 23 NASCAR entries (1949-1952) before moving to AAA-sanctioned events in 1953 following a dispute with NASCAR leadership. He also worked with Hudson engineer Vince Piggins to develop the even higher-output ‘7-X’ engine specification that would help keep Hornets in victory lane. Renowned as “The King of the Beach,” Marshall Teague remains legendary despite a tragic accident that cut his life and successful racing career short in 1959.

Based on a 1952 Hudson Hornet 6 Coupe, this thrilling “Fabulous Hudson Hornet” recreation features period-correct colors, painted-on race lettering and sponsorships and details celebrating famed Hudson driver Marshall Teague and conjuring images of “Doc” Hudson from the wildly popular Disney/Pixar “Cars” movie franchise. The consignor, a lifelong Hudson owner and enthusiast, recently had the Hornet finished in its current livery following his purchase of it from Allen Lewis, an avid Hudson collector from Winchester, Virginia who nicely restored the car and refinished it in dark blue ten years ago. The Hornet’s owner before Mr. Lewis was another Hudson enthusiast, who purchased it in 1964. Powering the Hornet is Hudson’s legendary 308 cubic-inch “flathead” inline six-cylinder engine, topped with the equally famous ‘Twin H-Power’ dual-carburetor intake system and factory original Hudson dual exhaust spilt, which combine to send the power and pleasant sound to the road via a Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission, making it easy for anyone to drive this captivating Hornet. Since restoration, the Hornet has been driven just 8,800 miles and properly sorted, confirming it is a great classic car to drive and enjoy. The consignor advised this Hornet delivers the most fun of any car he has owned, even when attending the same shows as modern-day exotics, people are still flocking to it photographing or taking video footage of it, as the car is recognized by virtually all who see it. Not only will the winning bidder feel satisfied with their new center piece, but they will also have the pleasure of knowing part of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Huntington University’s Film Department located in Huntington, Indiana. Featuring outstanding presence, ‘Twin H-Power’ induction, Marshall Teague’s colorful racing livery, this 1952 Hudson Hornet 6 NASCAR recreation is simply “Fabulous” on every possible level and ready to enjoy and show with pride.