1951 Hudson Hornet
Imagine a car that could make James Bond envious—enter the 1951 Hudson Hornet. Renowned for its “step-down” design and powerful 308 cubic inch engine, it dominated NASCAR racing in the early ’50s.
If you dare to call yourself an enthusiast or collector, authenticity should matter the most. By decoding the VIN and getting the build sheet, you will be able to track down the original specs and history of this beauty.
1951 Hudson Hornet Gallery
Most Expensive 1951 Hudson Hornet Sold
History of 1951 Hudson Hornet
The 1951 Hudson Hornet featured a unique “step-down” design for improved handling and was powered by a 308 cubic inch straight-six engine. Known for its durability and performance, it dominated NASCAR racing, helping to popularize the sport in the U.S. After Hudson merged with Nash-Kelvinator in 1954 to form AMC, the Hornet continued until 1957. Its innovative design, impressive performance, and racing legacy make it a beloved classic car.
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Popular Figures Who Own a 1951 Hudson Hornet
Here are some notable figures are associated with the 1951 Hudson Hornet, a car that gained fame in the early days of NASCAR:
Marshall Teague: The racing driver and mechanic was instrumental in promoting the Hudson Hornet as a competitive stock car. He won multiple races in 1951 and helped establish Hudson’s presence in NASCAR.. His modifications to the Hornet really enhanced its performance on the track.
Herb Thomas: Herb, a NASCAR driver who won two NASCAR championships (1951 and 1953), played a crucial role in demonstrating the car’s capabilities, helping to solidify its reputation in racing history. The character “Doc Hudson” from the Cars film franchise is inspired by him.
Tim Flock: Also a NASCAR driver, Flock achieved success with the Hudson Hornet, winning the NASCAR championship in 1952 while driving one of these cars. His contributions further established the Hornet’s legacy in stock car racing.
Facts About the 1951 Hudson Hornet
Here are five fascinating facts about the 1951 Hudson Hornet cars:
- The 1951 Hudson Hornet had modest sales, with around 3,100 units sold in its final year. A total of 43,666 units were produced for the 1951 model year.
- The 1951 Hudson Hornet speed is highest at 97 mph (156 kph) and it could go from 0 to 60 mph in about 14.6 seconds. The Hornet was powered by Hudson’s high-compression straight-six “H-145” engine, producing 145 horsepower.
- The Hudson Hornet’s influence extended beyond racing and into popular culture. The car was featured prominently in the 2006 animated film “Cars” as the character “Doc Hudson,” voiced by actor Paul Newman. This brought renewed attention and affection for the classic car.
- Starting in January 1952, Hudson offered the Twin-H induction as a factory option, boosting the engine’s output to 160 horsepower and a top speed of 107 mph.
- The Hornet featured Hudson’s innovative “step-down” design, which lowered the car’s center of gravity, improving handling and ride quality.
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- Standard Specifications
- Original Base Price
- Standard & Optional Equipment
- Exterior & Interior Colors
- VIN ID & Location description
MSRP
- Msrp: $2,543.00
Market Value
- Outstanding: $42,300
- Clean: $31,000
- Average: $22,000
- Rough: $15,800
Body
- Body Maker: Hudson
- No. Of Doors: 2
- Passengers: 6
Dimensions
- Length: 208 3/32 inches
- Width: 77 11/32 inches
- Height: 60.375 inches
- Wheelbase: 123.875 inches
- Weight: 3,580lbs
Engine
- Type: Inline, L-head, Dual downdraft, Helical
- Displacement: 308 cu. in.
- Cylinders: 6
- Bore And Stroke: 3 13/16 & 4 1/2 inches
- Compression Ratio Standard: 7.2 to 1
- Horsepower Brake: 145@3800
- Horsepower Rated: 34.9
- Torque: 257@1800
- Main Bearings: 4
- Valve Lifters: Mechanical
- Engine Number Location: Stamped on boss near top left side of block, on top of block between no. 1 & no.2 exhaust mainfold flanges.
- Lubrication: Pressure to all bearings excluding wrist pin
- Carburetor Make: Carter
Transmission
- Type: 2 Pints
- Drive: Rear wheel drive
- Number Of Gears: 3
- Gear Ratios First: 2.88 to 1
- Gear Ratios Second: 1.82 to 1
- Gear Ratios Third: 1 to 1
- Gear Ratios Fourth: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Fifth: Not applicable
- Gear Ratios Reverse: 3.50 to 1
- Clutch Size: 9 13/16 inches
Axle
- Type: Semifloating
- Differential Type: Hypoid
- Differential Ratio: 4.10 to 1
Suspension
- Front: Independent coil springs
- Rear: Semi-elliptic leaf springs
Brakes
- Service Type: Bendix Duo Automatic
- Service Front Size: 11 inches
- Service Rear Size: 11 inches
- Emergency Type: Rear service brakes
- Emergency Size: 11 inches
Wheel & Tires
- Wheel Size: 15 x 5
- Tire Type: 4 ply
- Tire Size: 7.1 x 15
- Spare Location: Trunk
Capacities
- Fuel: 20 Gallons
- Oil: 7 Quarts
- Rear Differential: 3.625 Pints
- Front Differential: Not applicable
- Transfer Case: Not applicable
VIN/ID
- Serial Number: 7A-1001 to 7A-132915
Exterior Colors
- Availability: All colors may not be available in all models.
- Color 1: Texas Tan
- Color 2: Dk Maroon
- Color 3: Bali Blue
- Color 4: Pacific Blue
- Color 5: Corinthian Cream
- Color 6: Toro Red
- Color 7: Dk Platinum
- Color 8: Admiral Blue
- Color 9: Naples Green
- Color 10: Northern Gray
- Color 11: Neptune Blue Green
- Color 12: Jefferson Green
- Color 13: Newport Gray
- Color 14: Burgandy Maroon
- Color 15: French Gray
Optional Equipment
- Club Coupe: Optional
- Hydra-Matic Automatic Transmission: Optional
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the history of a 1951 Hudson Hornet for sale I’m considering?
You can use our classic vehicle history check tool to verify any 1951 Hudson Hornet specs, check for title information, sales history, auction history, and more. You only need to provide the VIN to get all the information and reveal any hidden records within seconds.
What is the 1951 Hudson Hornet price?
Normally, you can expect to pay around $32,025 for a 1951 Hudson Hornet in good condition with average specifications.
What makes the 1951 Hudson Hornet sedan stand out?
The 1951 Hudson Hornet cars stand out for their step-down design, powerful engine, racing success, Twin H-Power option, luxurious interior, and innovative safety features, making it a classic and collectible car.
Is there a Carfax report for a 1951 Hudson Hornet?
Carfax does not support classic cars or cars with 5 - 13 digit VIN number. To lookup any 51 Hudson Hornet car history, consider using our classic vehicle history report tool, which checks for title, sales history, and more, so you can make an informed decision.