Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
The Hornet, introduced for the 1951 model year, was based on Hudson's "step-down" design [5] that was first seen in the 1948 model year on the Commodore.Unlike a unibody, the design did not fully merge the body and chassis frame into a single structure, but the floor pan footwells recessed down, in between the car's chassis rails, which were, in turn, routed around them – instead of a ...
When Nash and Hudson merged to form AMC in 1954 all the Hudson bodies were dropped for the 1955 model year. The Ambassador and Statesman received a hasty grille/taillight/trim/dash restyling to create the new Hudson Hornet and Wasp. The Nash Ambassador Six retained the Nash 252.6 cu in (4.1 L) OHV six for 1955 and 1956, V8 only for 1957.
Hudson introduced the first Hornet in 1951 as a performance model featuring the Hudson's new "H-145" engine. [7] The automaker formed a stock car racing team centered on the car, and the "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" soon became famous for its wins and stock-car title sweeps between 1951 and 1954. [7]
In drag racing, an Ike Smith–prepared Hudson Jet with a 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) "Twin H" 308 cu in (5.0 L) I6 Hornet engine ran consistently low-14-second times. [27] The firewall required modification as the larger engine was not available from the factory, but the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) made an exception to its rules for this car.
The 327 was not available in any other Rambler models in 1957. The Rebel's engine differs from the 327s installed in the 1957 Nash Ambassador and Hudson Hornet models in that it uses mechanical valve lifters and a higher compression ratio. Since both engines were rated at 255 hp (190 kW), it is probable that the Rebel's was underrated. [10]
Hudson Hornet engine bay. During the early days of stock car racing, more horsepower ultimately meant more wins. The sleek and aerodynamic Hudson Hornet managed to win in 1951, 1952, and 1953, using a 308 cu in (5.0 L) flat-head inline six -cylinder engine.
In April 1956 AMC introduced its 250 cu in (4.1 L) V8 engine producing 190 bhp (142 kW; 193 PS). The AMC 250 V8 was only used in the Nash Ambassador Special and the Hudson Hornet Special. The "Specials" were the lighter (by ~350 pounds) and shorter Statesman and Wasp bodies with Ambassador and Hornet trim. [58]
In its final year, the Hudson brand was pared down to a single model, the Hudson Hornet, available in two trim levels, the top-level Custom and the Super. However, during the show car season, AMC prepared a one-off 1957 Hudson Commodore show car identical to the production Hornet, featuring gold exterior trim and unique upholstery.