Hudson Jet History and Technical Information

Now you can enjoy the mighty power and matchless roadability of a HUDSON in any price field you choose (including the low price field).

Following a $12 million development program, the economy-priced Hudson Jet debuted in 1953. During development days, rumor had it that Hudson was putting step-down principles into a lighter car. When produced, the Jet's basic suspension and chassis features were similar to the bigger Hudsons of 1946-1957. Suspension is by coil springs at the front and leaf springs at back. Tubular shocks are used all around. Jets have a 105-inch wheelbase. A panel door at the left of the central location of the license plate gives access to the fuel filler cap. The door handles are an independent type, separated from the pushbuttons below them. They featured one-piece glass windows in front and back as opposed to a split window in the larger Hudsons. However, the Jet lacked the low step-down look that the big Hudsons had made famous. Also, for the first time since the early 1930's, Hudson contracted an outside supplier, Murray Corp., to build the bodies.

Shown above is the arrival of the first Hudson Jet,
a Super Jet, at the end of the producton line. The men
shaking hands are A.E.Barit, Hudson's president (left),
and H.M. Northrup (right).

"In the lowest-price field...
A NEW KIND OF CAR!
Combines the best performance
and economy you've ever seen!"

Prices started at a factory base of $1858 for the standard Jet, when built without extras. This came in a 4-Door Sedan model only. The Super Jet 4-door sedan cost $1954. The 2-door Club Sedan version of the Super Jet cost $1933. Hood ornamentation, rear fittings, and the absence on the standard Jet of side nameplates, ventpanes in the rear doors, and brightwork around the windows is where the two models of Jet differed.

"If you haven't tried the Jet, you don't know what you're missing!"

With Twin H-Power (Shown at right.) , Dual-Range Hydramatic and over-drive as options, a Jet sporting Twin H-Power (Dual Carburetion), for example, would have a Twin H-Power nameplate above the centerpiece on the trunk lid. Assessories such as extra window trim, wheel skirts, whitewall tires, and wheel trim rings were also available as well as a 2-tone paint scheme.

"When you step on it something happens...instantly!"

By removing the rear seat and folding the hinged trunk divider partition forward onto the rear seat riser foundation of the 6-passender, 2-Door Hudson Jet Utility Sedan, space was made available from the rear of the trunk to the front seat. This model weighed 2,715 pounds and starting price was $1,837.

"RELAX! You're driving a Hudson!"

With profound similarity to the 1953, one visual outside defference with the 1954 model was on the grille, where a center medallion was flanked by raised ribs on the main crossmember. The lowest-priced Hudson of 1954 was the Jet Family Club Sedan, first making its apprearance April 12th with a factory price of $1621, $71 above the competing Nash Rambler. The accessories on all models were consistent to those offered the previous year.

Hudson... most DURABLE car your money can buy!

The top-of-the line Jet-Liner debuted in 1954 in both a four-door and club sedan. This model featured unique body trim and upgraded interiors. A total of 14,224 Series 1D, 2D, and 3D Hudson Jets were built in 1954.

Unfortunately, there was not yet a large enough demand for compact cars and sales were not as hoped. Lack of sales were blamed on the side styling as well as high price. The problem with price was somewhat ironic since the compact Jet was an entrant into the low-price field. However, Monobuilt body-and frame construction and heavier gauge steel lead to extra manufacturing cost. Although head room allowed for chair high seats and passengers to wear hats, the vehicle turned out too high compared to the heights of rival cars such as the Nash Rambler and Willys. Yet, the rear wrap window and roof line compared to that of a 1952 Ford, encouraged by Hudson dealer Jim Moran of Chicago. The extra performance of 104 to 114 horsepower produced by a 202-cid six-cylinder engine, sturdiness, and other quality features didn't aid in boosting sales.

"Because it's wonderfully compact,
it's a delight to handle,
drive and park in today's traffic...
and there's ample room for six!"

For those who are unfamiliar with the terms "Monobuilt" and "step-down," let me introduce you to these features... The Monobuilt design, introduced in 1948, consisted of a chassis and frame that were combined in a unified passenger compartment. This produced a strong, lightweight design with a beneficial lower center of gravity that did not affect road clearance. For the first time, drivers had to step down to get into their cars, thus the name sake of this innovation.

By the time the Jet was available, the promotion had increased the dealer network to 1,975. The selling organization also had 11 distributors and 20 sales zones across the nation. This hype was short-lived as Hudson Motor Car Company's financial debacle continued, losing $6,203,585 between January 1st through April 30th of '54. Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Car Co. combined on May 1, 1954 to form American Motors Corporation. This merger was viewed as a Nash takeover of Hudson. This perspective was supported by the fact that separate Hudson financial status was never reported by AMC following the merger. It was a short time before Hudson production was moved from Detroit to Kenosha, Wisconsin and Nash-Healey production ceased.

[Basic] Jet
Model 1C
4-Door Sedan
aka.Series 10

Super Jet
Model 2C
4-Door Sedan
2-Door Club
aka.Series 20

[Basic] Jet
Model 1D
4-Door Sedan
2-Door Club
2-Dr. Utility

Super Jet
Model 2D
4-Door Sedan
2-Door Club

Jetliner
Model 3D
4-Door Sedan
2-Door Club

HudsonJet.net

History and Technical Information

1953-1954

"RELAX! You're driving a Hudson!"

What was going on at the time Jets came out?