Hudson re-emerges after 58-year lay-up
Super Six Business Coupé is one of seven survivors and this one remains in barn-find condition
When in 1960 the heater matrix of this deeply rare car started leaking, the owner, Minnesota farmer Ida Admunson, parked the Hudson Super Six Business Coupé in his barn next to the family’s other car, a 1933 Ford, and replaced it with Pontiac Chieftain.
All three cars passed to Ida’s son in 1988. After Ida’s death, the Hudson was acquired by retired garage owner and restorer Frank Hickerson who eventually advertised it for sale on the internet. This car, which has not run since 1960, is in ‘barn find’ condition.
Fewer than 500 Super Six Business Coupés were built by then independent manufacturer Hudson, and just seven survive including this 55,726-mile example. Hudson produced high quality cars as an independent manufacturer, including the legendary Hornet.
Charlie Rowland, current owner, had been looking for a 1940s or early Fifties American car, says: ‘The car didn’t sell on the internet, so I managed to contact the owner and a deal was done. I must admit, I had no idea how rare the car is.
‘I’m amazed by the attention the car has had at the show. The Business Coupé is something of a holy grail as far as many enthusiasts are concerned. Ninety per cent of people said they think the Hudson should be kept as it is.’
‘The Hudson Business Coupé is something of a holy grail.’ CHARLIE ROWLAND