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62-480: The Hudson Hornet is a full-size car manufactured by Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan from 1951 until 1954, when Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson merged to form American Motors Corporation (AMC). Hudson automobiles continued to be marketed under the Hudson brand name through the 1957 model year. The first-generation Hudson Hornets featured a functional "step-down" design with dropped floor pan and

124-512: A chassis with a lower center of gravity than contemporary vehicles that helped the car handle well — an advantage for racing . The Hornet's lower and sleeker look was accentuated by streamlined styling, sometimes called " ponton " styling. Following the merger forming AMC in 1954, Hudson cars were built on the newer factory assembly line for Nash Statesman/Ambassador unibody chassis; therefore, all second-generation Hudson Hornets were restyled Nash automobiles that were badge engineered as

186-456: A Hudson. The Hornet, introduced for the 1951 model year, was based on Hudson's "step-down" design 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

248-428: A conventional floor, sitting on top of straight ladder frame rails – a body on frame design that later became more widely adopted, and known as a perimeter frame . Thus one "stepped down" into a Hudson. The step-down chassis and body meant the car's "lower center of gravity...was both functional and stylish. The car not only handled well, but treated its six passengers to a sumptuous ride. The low-slung look also had

310-682: A functional scoop that ducts cold air to the carburetors and was considered "ventilation" in 1954, rather than ram air . The engine could be tuned to produce 210 hp (157 kW) when equipped with the "7-X" modifications that Hudson introduced later. During 1952 and 1953 the Hornet received minor cosmetic enhancements, and still closely resembled the Commodore of 1948. The Hornet proved to be nearly invincible in stock-car racing. Despite its racing successes, sales began to languish. Hudson's competitors, using separate body-on-frame designs, could change

372-486: A high compression head, special camshaft, and other "severe usage" parts designed for racing. The 308 cu in (5.0 L) engine produced high torque at low RPMs and had a fairly flat torque curve, which helped the Hornet beat V8s from other makes whose power advantage came only at much higher rpm. The engine was more powerful compared to the contemporary low-priced competition (the Chevrolet I6 and Ford V8) and

434-403: A ram-air intake, the very first on any production motorcycle. Ram-air was a feature on some cars in the sixties. It fell out of favor in the seventies, but recently made a comeback. While ram-air intakes may increase the volumetric efficiency of an engine, they can be difficult to combine with carburetors, which rely on a venturi -engineered pressure drop to draw fuel through the main jet. As

496-463: A relative term, full-size cars were marketed by the same brands offering compact cars, with entry-level cars for buyers seeking the roominess of a luxury car at a lower cost. Into the 1970s, the same vehicles could transport up to six occupants comfortably (or eight in a station wagon), at the expense of high fuel consumption. The sales of full-size vehicles in the United States declined after

558-540: A result of the merger, Toronto-based Nash Motors of Canada Ltd. became American Motors (Canada) Ltd. and all subsequent Hudson, Nash, and Rambler assembly operations continued in Toronto. Hudson vehicles were imported into New Zealand from 1912 and eventually locally assembled from knock-down kits from 1919. From 1935, Hudson and other marques were assembled by Christchurch company Motor Assemblies Limited . Production ended when Standard-Triumph International acquired

620-412: A sleekness about it that was accentuated by the nearly enclosed rear wheels." Hudson Hornets were available as a two-door coupe , four-door sedan , a convertible , and a pillarless hardtop coupe. The models were priced the same as Commodore Eight, which was priced from US$ 2,543 to $ 3,099. All Hornets from 1951 through 1953 were powered by Hudson's high-compression straight-six "H-145" engine. It

682-630: The Fabulous Hudson Hornet to 14 wins during the season. This brought the Hornet's season record to 40 wins in 48 events, a winning percentage of 83%. Overall, Hudson won 27 of the 34 NASCAR Grand National races in 1952, followed by 22 wins of 37 in 1953, and captured 17 of the 37 races in 1954 — "an incredible accomplishment, especially from a car that had some legitimate luxury credentials." The original Fabulous Hudson Hornet can be found today fully restored in Ypsilanti, Michigan at

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744-588: The Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum , a facility that was formerly home to Miller Motors, the last Hudson dealership in the world. In its final three model years, the Hornet became a product of the newly-formed American Motors Corporation (AMC). Following the 1954 merger of the Hudson Motor Car Company and Nash-Kelvinator, Hudson's Detroit manufacturing facility was closed and the production of Hudson models

806-411: The "Dealer Volume Investment Fund" and "Sun Valley Sweepstakes" targeting salespeople as well as a contest for the general public with the possibility of new cars and trips to Disneyland as top prizes. Production for the 1955 model year totaled 10,010 four-door sedans and 3,324 Hollywood two-door hardtops. For the 1956 model year, AMC executives decided to give the Hornet more character and the design for

868-580: The 1908 Ford Model T . In 1923, General Motors introduced the Chevrolet Superior , becoming the first vehicle to adopt a common chassis (the A-body ) for several brands. Compared to the cars of the 21st century, these vehicles are small in length and width. From the 1920s to the 1950s, most manufacturers produced model lines in a single size, growing in size with each model redesign. While the length and wheelbase varied between model lines, width

930-580: The 1920s by Stanley Motors at their plant, National Motor Assemblers (NMA), in Natalspruit ( Gauteng ). The Hudson Hornet was assembled in right-hand-drive from knock-down kits sourced from Canada. After the Hudson and Nash merger, NMA continued to assemble AMC's new Ramblers until 1967, although the 1957 Rambler was instead marketed in South Africa as the "Hudson 108." Hudsons were introduced to

992-538: The 1952 AAA season with a 1000-point lead over his closest rival, winning 12 of the 13 scheduled events. Hornets driven by NASCAR aces Herb Thomas , Dick Rathmann , Al Keller , Frank Mundy, and Tim Flock won 27 NASCAR races driving for the Hudson team. In total, the Hudson Hornet won 48 first place finishes and came in second 23 times in 1952. In the AAA racing circuit, Teague drove a stock Hornet that he called

1054-457: The 1970s. The 1951 Hudson Hornet was selected as the "Car of the Year" in a book profiling seventy-five years of noteworthy automobiles by automotive journalist Henry Bolles Lent. Full-size car Full-size car —also known as large car —is a vehicle size class which originated in the United States and is used for cars larger than mid-size cars . It is the largest size class for cars. In

1116-677: The 1985 model year, General Motors replaced most of its full-size rear-wheel-drive model lines with smaller front-wheel drive sedans on the H and C platforms . Only station wagons, the Chevrolet Caprice , and the Cadillac Brougham remained. Initially developed to replace the Ford LTD Crown Victoria, the 1986 Ford Taurus was produced alongside it as the Ford mid-size model line. After largely abandoning

1178-656: The Chevrolet Impala was returned for the 1994 model year. The 1989 Lexus LS400 luxury sedan was the first Japanese full-size car sold in North America. Following the 1996 model year, GM ended production of large rear-wheel drive sedans. By 2000, with the sole exception of the Ford Crown Victoria, Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car, full-size cars had abandoned rear-wheel drive and body-on-frame construction. Instead of model lineage,

1240-798: The EPA "large car" definition of over 120 interior cubic feet was widely used. Initially developed for the midsize Oldsmobile Aurora , the GM G-body chassis was expanded into the full-size segment for Cadillac in 2000 (for the Deville, later the DTS) and adapted by Buick (the Lucerne) in 2006. For the 2005 model year, Chrysler replaced the LH cars with the LX cars (returning to rear-wheel drive). The same year, Ford introduced

1302-702: The Five Hundred, its first front-wheel drive full-size car (the first American full-size car offered with all-wheel drive); in 2008, the Five Hundred was renamed the Taurus. After the 2011 model year, Ford ended production of the Panther platform, shifting to the Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS; in 2017, the latter was replaced by the Lincoln Continental . In 2011, General Motors ended production of

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1364-559: The G-body for several chassis (with Cadillac later shifting its largest sedans to rear-wheel drive). In 2012, the Tesla Model S became the first fully electric full-size car sold in North America. For the 2013 model year, the Chevrolet Impala became the final American-market full-size sedan sold with a front bench seat . By the mid-2010s, full-size cars began seeing a steep decline in sales in North America, with SUVs replacing much of

1426-429: The Hornet underwent a major square-lined redesign and to match the look of the compact Hudson Jet that was introduced in 1953. This entailed extensive retooling because of the way the step-down frame wrapped around the passenger compartment. The front had a simpler grille that complemented the now-functional hood scoop and a new one-piece curved windshield, while the sides gained period-typical fender chrome accents, and

1488-541: The Hornets, plus the fact the cars were over-designed and over-built, made them unbeatable in competition on the dirt and the very few paved tracks of the 1950s. Hudson Hornet 1951 model year production totaled 43,666 units. In 1952 the "Twin H-Power" version became standard equipment with dual single-barrel carburetors atop a dual-intake manifold, and power rose to 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS). The hood featured

1550-459: The Hudson Hornet. The front end was modified with a new grille and a non-functional air scoop hood ornament. four different body designs: two-door club coupe, Hollywood hardtop , Convertible Brougham, and a four-door sedan. Hudson Hornet 1953 model year production totaled 27,208 units of which around 910 were the Hollywood hardtops. An 8-tube radio was a $ 100 option. For the 1954 model year,

1612-404: The Hudson brand name with its racing heritage was discontinued and all American Motors Corporation automobiles were then marketed as being made by " Rambler " Division. Total production of 1957 Hornets was 4,108, split between 3,359 sedans and 749 Hollywood Hardtops. The Hudson Hornet was sold in foreign markets, either exported as complete cars or locally built from knock-down kits . The Hornet

1674-430: The Hudson stylists for an updated 1955 version of the 1954 Hudson "Step-Down" platform. The new models were delayed to a January 1955 introduction, "as American Motors engineers work out the problem of making two completely different looking automobiles with identical body shells." As the first entirely new car from American Motors, the 1955 Hudson emerged conservatively styled compared to the competition. The 1955 Hornet

1736-584: The United Kingdom in 1911 and eventually, a factory was built where Hudson (and Essex) vehicles were locally assembled from 1927. The British company was renamed Hudson Motors Ltd. in 1932. The Hudson Hornet was assembled in right-hand-drive for the U.K. ,Irish market and other European countries. Following the demise of the Hudson marque, the British company was renamed Rambler Motors (A.M.C.) Limited in 1966 and continued to import AMC vehicles through

1798-631: The United Kingdom, this class is referred to as the executive car , while in Europe, it is known as E-segment or F-segment . The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Fuel Economy Regulations for 1977 and Later Model Year (dated July 1996) includes definitions for classes of automobiles. Based on the combined passenger and cargo volume, large cars (full-size cars) are defined as having an interior volume index of more than 120 cu ft (3.4 m ) for sedan models, or 160 cu ft (4.5 m ) for station wagons. From

1860-675: The company in 1954. From 1954 the Hudson Hornet was built in New Zealand by Auckland company VW Motors as a secondary line to the Volkswagens they assembled. AMC's subsequent Rambler models were assembled thereafter at VW Motors' new plant in Otahuhu, Auckland from 1958 until 1962. AMC formed an agreement in 1963 with Campbell Motor Industries (CMI) of Thames to assemble Ramblers, production of which ran from 1964 until 1971. Hudson vehicles were assembled in South Africa beginning in

1922-528: The early 1970s fuel crisis. In response to the 1978 implementation of CAFE , American manufacturers implemented downsizing to improve fuel economy, with full-size vehicles as the first model lines to see major change. While General Motors and Ford would reduce the exterior footprint of their full-size lines to that of their intermediates, AMC withdrew its Ambassador and Matador full-size lines (to concentrate on production of mid-size vehicles). To save production costs, Chrysler repackaged its intermediates using

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1984-448: The erstwhile full-size names, moving on to exiting the segment in 1981. During the 1980s, manufacturers further reduced the exterior footprint of several model lines from the full-size segment into the mid-size class to comply with more stringent CAFE standards. With the 1982 model year, Chrysler exited the full-size segment entirely, with the mid-size Dodge Diplomat and Plymouth Gran Fury serving as its largest sedan lines. Following

2046-463: The fabric tops available in either maroon, black, or tan. A total of 540 convertibles were built. Hudson's board of directors approved a merger with Nash-Kelvinator on 14 January 1954. This was ratified by shareholders on 24 March 1954, thus forming the new American Motors Corporation on 1 May 1954. Further production of Hudson cars was to be in Nash's Kenosha, Wisconsin, with the last Detroit-built Hudson

2108-625: The first time since the late 1970s. For the 1992 model year, Chrysler introduced a new front-wheel drive full-size car line, replacing the Eagle Premier/Dodge Monaco with the Chrysler LH cars (Dodge Intrepid, Eagle Vision, Chrysler Concorde/New Yorker/LHS). The same year, the Buick Roadmaster was introduced, becoming the first rear-wheel drive GM model line adopted outside of Chevrolet and Cadillac since 1985;

2170-417: The first time, the Hornet could be ordered with a Packard -built 320 cu in (5.2 L) V8 engine producing 208 bhp (155 kW) and Packard's Ultramatic automatic transmission. The rear suspension now incorporated a torque tube system for the driveshaft and coil spring rear suspension along with front springs that are twice as long as most other cars. Along with Nash, the new Hudsons had

2232-539: The formerly sloped rear end was squared off. The front to rear fender line was styled to make the car look longer and taillamps were also redesigned. The interior was also updated with a new dash and instrument cluster that were surprisingly modern. An example is a Hornet owner writing for Popular Mechanics in 1999, noting that "the car's unique, low slung appearance and silky handling earned Hudson an image that — for many buyers — eclipsed luxury marques like Cadillac ." Like all previous model years, no V8 engine

2294-550: The full-size sedan category in the United States were the Dodge Charger, Chevrolet Impala, and Chrysler 300. The large car segment has been declining in the United States accounting for 3.6% of new vehicle sales in 2021, down from 6.6% in 2016. The models in this category included the Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Nissan Maxima, and Toyota Avalon. They have been discontinued after the 2023 or 2024 model years. The trend in

2356-583: The full-size segment for compact cars and minivans, Chrysler gained reentry into the full-size segment in 1988 with the Eagle Premier (also produced as the Dodge Monaco ). Developed by AMC before its acquisition by Chrysler, the Premier was a version of the front-wheel drive Renault 25 adapted for North America. The Saab 9000 took a special position at the end of the 1980s, as for a long time it

2418-477: The full-size segment. At the end of the decade, demand for sedans (of all sizes) shifted towards vehicles of other layouts, reducing or shuttering production of sedans entirely. In 2018, Ford announced the sales of all Ford-branded passenger cars (except for the Mustang ) would end in North America by 2022. General Motors announced the closure of several manufacturing facilities in the United States and Canada, with

2480-547: The historic Hudson name came only in a Hornet model in either "Super" and "Custom" trims available in a four-door sedan or a two-door "Hollywood" hardtop body styles. For the second year, the V-Line styling featured an enormous egg-crate grille, creases and chrome strips on the body sides, and was available in one of five tri-tone schemes for the Custom models. There was more ornamentation to the cars, including fender "finettes" atop

2542-491: The hood and the price of only $ 395 (about half the cost as on other cars) also won praise. Automotive journalist Floyd Clymer rated the Hudson Hornet as the safest car built in the United States because of (1) the single unit welded body, (2) high-quality braking system with an added mechanical backup system, (3) roadability, general handling, and maneuverability; as well as (4) excellent acceleration and power for emergency situations. Marketing efforts included incentives such as

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2604-491: The introduction of the Ford Flathead V8 in the 1930s until the 1980s, most North American full-size cars were powered by V8 engines . However, V6 engines and straight-six engines have also been available on American full-size cars, especially until the 1950s, and have become increasingly common since the downsizing of full-sized cars in the 1980s. The lineage of mass-produced full-size American cars begins with

2666-626: The large car market segment in United States is toward the SUV. Ram-air intake The ram-air intake works by reducing the intake air velocity by increasing the cross-sectional area of the intake ducting. When gas velocity goes the pressure is increased. The increased pressure in the air box will ultimately have a positive effect on engine output as more oxygen will enter the cylinder during each engine cycle. Ram-air systems are used on high-performance vehicles, most often on motorcycles and performance cars. The 1990 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-11 C1 model used

2728-511: The look of their models on a yearly basis without expensive chassis alterations, whereas the Hornet's modern, sophisticated unibody design was expensive to update, so it was essentially locked in and suffered against the planned obsolescence of the Big Three (Ford, GM and Chrysler) automakers. A total of 35,921 Hornets were produced for 1952, with approximately 2,160 hardtops and 360 convertibles. The 1953 model year brought minor changes to

2790-424: The midsection 4 inches (102 millimetres) as well as repositioned headlamps in an egg-crate grille, twin hood scoops, extended rear fenders with Lincoln taillights, and a continental kit . Hudson was the first automobile manufacturer to get involved in stock car racing. The Hornet "dominated stock car racing in the early-1950s, when stock car racers actually raced stock cars." During 1952, Marshall Teague finished

2852-472: The production of the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse ending in 2020. As of 2022, full-size cars from Asian manufacturers include the Lexus LS , Genesis G80 / G90 , Nissan Maxima , and Toyota Avalon . Another car from an Asian manufacturer, the eighth-generation Hyundai Sonata , is classified by the EPA as full-size despite being marketed as a mid-size model. In 2018, the three highest-selling cars in

2914-473: The rounded rear quarter panels for 1957, along with unusual "twin-fin" trim on top of both front fenders. The price was reduced and the power was increased by way of AMC's new 327 cu in (5.4 L) V8 that was rated at 255 hp (190 kW) with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. Prompted by Automobile Manufacturer Association ban on factory-supported racing beginning in 1957, production of Hudson Hornet ended on 25 June 1957, at which time

2976-515: The vehicles was given over to designer Richard Arbib , who provided the Hornet and Wasp with one of the more distinctive looks in the 1950s which he called "V-Line Styling". Taking the traditional Hudson tri-angle, Arbib applied its "V" form in every conceivable manner across the interior and exterior of the car. Combined with tri-tone paint combinations, Hudson's look was unique and immediately noticeable. The legendary 308 cu in (5.0 L) straight-six engine, with and without Twin-H Power,

3038-513: The widest front seats in the industry. Two trim levels were available, Super and Custom, with the Custom series including a continental tire carrier, a 16 in (406 mm) "table-like" center armrest for the rear seat, a padded dashboard, transparent sun visors, and an over the windshield interior package net. The Weather Eye heating and ventilation with an optional air conditioning system were highly rated in terms of efficiency. The integrated placement of major air conditioning systems under

3100-581: Was a relatively constant dimension, as the American federal government required the addition of clearance lights on a width past 80 inches. In 1960, following the introduction of compact cars (such as the Chevrolet Corvair , Ford Falcon and Plymouth Valiant ), the "full-size car" designation came into wider use. In the 1960s, the term was applied to the traditional car lines of lower-price brands, including Chevrolet, Ford, and Plymouth. As

3162-419: Was available (similar to Chevrolet models from 1918 to 1954), but the 308 cu in (5.0 L) six-cylinder was standard in Hornets and produced 160 hp (119 kW), the racing-inspired 170 hp (127 kW; 172 PS) "Twin-H-Power" (dual carburetor) option was popular, and a 7-X version of the engine was offered as a factory option, producing over 210 hp (157 kW; 213 PS) using

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3224-467: Was based on Hudson's previous 262 cu in (4.3 L) "Super Six" that was not only bored and stroked to increase displacement, but "thoroughly over-engineered in the Hudson tradition. a high-chromium-alloy block and other premium features." An electric clock was standard. Starting for the 1952 model year, a factory-optional "Twin H-Power" featured twin one-barrel Carter carburetors with greater throat area and improved fuel distribution. This upgrade

3286-416: Was built on 30 October 1954. Hudson Hornet 1954 model year production of all body styles totaled 24,833. A 1954 Hornet two-door hardtop was customized by Harold Du Charme of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, who was a large stockholder in the automaker. He did not like the redesign of the car and proposed changes to improve Hudson's flagging sales. Changes included a 2.5-inch (64 mm) top chopping and channeling

3348-492: Was close to the V8 engines offered by the medium-priced competition (Oldsmobile and Buick). The Hornet's performance delivered up to 100 mph (161 km/h) and "quasi-thrifty" 17 mpg ‑US (14 L/100 km; 20 mpg ‑imp ) fuel economy. Although the Hornet's redesign positioned it equally with its contemporaries in terms of looks and style, the redesign came too late to boost sales. The news that Hudson

3410-482: Was first available in mid-1951 as a dealer-installed option at the cost of $ 85.60 (~$ 1,005 in 2023). At 308 cu in (5.0 L), the L-head ( flathead or side-valve) design was the largest displacement six-cylinder engine used in mass-production cars at the time. The two-barrel carburetor version produced 145 hp (108 kW) at 3800 rpm and 275 lb⋅ft (373 N⋅m) of torque . In 1954, power output

3472-497: Was in financial difficulties and had been essentially taken over by Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors Corporation during the 1954 model year was known by the car-buying public. The updated Hornet Brougham convertible, the only open-top body design available from Hudson was attractive, but was considered overpriced at $ 3,288 (~$ 29,604 in 2023) for a six-cylinder car in 1954. This top-line model included hydraulic window lifts and leather upholstery in either blue, maroon, or green and

3534-443: Was increased from 145 to 170 hp (108 to 127 kW). The engine was also capable of far more power in the hands of precision tuners, including Marshall Teague , who claimed he could get 112 miles per hour (180.2 km/h) from an AAA- or NASCAR -certified stock Hornet, as well as Hudson engineers who developed "severe usage" options (thinly disguised racing parts). The combination of the Hudson engine with overall road-ability of

3596-557: Was introduced to the Australian market in 1955. Canadian assembly of Hudson vehicles commenced in 1932 by Hudson Motors of Canada in Tilbury, Ontario. World War II interrupted operations and production ceased in 1941. Post-war operations resumed in 1950, with Hudsons being assembled by CHATCO Steel Products in Tilbury, Ontario. Operations in Tilbury ceased permanently in 1954 following the formation of American Motors Corporation. As

3658-712: Was offered and gained 5 hp (4 kW) for 1956. However, Packard's V8 engine was available only during the first half of 1956. In the mid-model year, the Hornet Special was introduced featuring a lower price and AMC's new 250 cu in (4.1 L) 190 hp (142 kW) V8 engine. The Hornet Special models were built on a 7-inch (178 mm) shorter and slightly lighter Statesman/Wasp four-door sedan and two-door hardtop platform with Hornet trim. The 1956 design failed to excite buyers and Hudson Hornet sales decreased to 8,152 units, of which 6,512 were four-door sedans and 1,640 Hollywood two-door hardtops. In 1957,

3720-454: Was shifted to Nash's Wisconsin factory. No longer built on the "Step-down" platform , all Hornets were now based on the senior Nash models, but featuring distinctive Hudson styling themes. The 1955 Hudson senior models were built on the Nash platform with styling themes by Pinin Farina, Edmund Anderson , and Frank Spring. The cars featured a front end that was originally designed by Spring and

3782-443: Was the cleanest model with a broad egg-crate grille and distinctive two-toning. Sedan and hardtop body styles were offered, but the coupe and convertible were no longer available. The 1955 Hornets shared the styling with the new Wasps, but featured a longer 121.25 in (3,080 mm) wheelbase. The 308 cu in (5.0 L) straight-six engine continued in 160 bhp (119 kW) or 170 bhp (127 kW) versions. For

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3844-425: Was the only imported car to be classified as a "large car" by the EPA. From the 1980s to the 1990s, the market share of full-size cars began to decline; along with the increased use of mid-size cars, vans, and SUVs grew in use as family vehicles. Between 1960 and 1994, the market share of full-size cars declined from 65 to only 8.3 percent. From 1990 until 1992, both GM and Ford redesigned its full-size car lines for

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