1954 Hudson Cars Fact Sheet

Hudson Updates the
Full-Size Line
It was called a “restyle”, but it was just some new skin and a new roof line for the hardtop and the club coupe only. The front fascia was the most significant change.
Sales continued to drop and the handwriting was on the wall. This would be the last year of the true Hudson.
General Year Information
The Hudson Jet had its model line increased to the “Hudson Jetliner” a more upscale version. Hudson’s disappointing sales of the Jet convinced management that the customer wanted a small car with more content. Other than minor outside trim, the Series looked no different.
The big news was the reskinning of the full-size line. Reskinning was all that it was however, as the mechanicals and interiors were hardly changed. While the hardtops and coupes had a new roof line in addition to the new side and front and rear fascias, the sedan was not changed.
Also bowing was the Italia GT car, a highly stylized body from Carrozzeria Touring, of Milan, Italy sitting on a Hudson Jet Chassis. If it was to inspire showroom traffic, its styling might just have been a bit too over the top for potential customers. 26 were eventually sold.
Models Offered
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JET SIX – SERIES 1D – The 1954 Jet grille had four ribs on each side of the main blade and a raised center . Standard equipment was the same as the previous year. Tan worsted weave upholstery with brown and red stripes was featured, in comÂbination with Brown Plasti-hide trim. The base model lacked robe cords; courtesy lamps; front seat back pockets; wing type rear ventipanes; coat hooks or rear ash tray. Even a cigar lighter was extra; two-tone paint was not available and the sole upholstery option was Gray Plasti-hide with leather trim.
On April 12, 1954, a new Family Club Sedan was added to the line as a stripped economy model. Priced $216 under the base sedan, this two-door had a non-scoop hood, plainer grille, black rubber windshield surÂround and even more spartan appointments.
SERIES 2D SUPER JET – SERIES 3D JETLINER – SIX – Block letters spelled out Super Jet on the front fenders of this one-step-up model. Features included hood air scoop ornamentation; horizontal front fender and door moldings; robe cords; wing type rear door ventipanes; front seat back pockets; rear ash tray; courtesy door lights; coat hooks and cigar lighter. Two-tone Green or Blue decorator selected worsted upholstery fabrics; in a handsome check pattern with solid Plasti-hide trim, were used.
The Jetliner was a new, top level offering, externally characterized by Jetliner fender block lettering; rear wheel cover (skirts); Custom wheel discs; rear fender horizontal rub moldings; body .sill highlights; bright rear gravel shields and chrome rear taillight trim. Most Super Jet appointments were included, plus front and rear foam seat cushÂions and smartly pleated Antique White Plastic-hide upholstery with headliner and bolÂsters of the same material in Blue, Green or Red. Worsted cloth Super Jet combinaÂtions were optional at no extra cost.
WASP SERIES 4D – New styling, resembling that of the Jets, was applied to Wasps this year The grille had a heavy, bowed molding tracing the upper radiator opening and a full-width, flat horizontal loop surÂrounding wedge shaped parking lights at each end. The main bar (actually the top of the loop) was ribbed towards the middle and held a triangular Hudson medallion in a finned housing at its center. Behind this bar was an angled plate with four additional, wide-spaced ribs. Block letters spelled out Hudson below the scoop on the nose of the hood. “Wasp” in script was on the front fender tips, above a full-length horizontal rub molding. Two-door hardtops had “Hollywood” in script at the upper rear edge of front fenders.
A panoramic one-piece windshield and protruding tip taillamps were new. Bright metal gravel shields with windsplit vents decorated the sides of rear fenders. Standard equipment on Wasps included fender skirts; cigar lighter; robe cord; front seat back pockets; rear ash tray and special pattern cloth upholstery with Blue or Green Plasti-hide trim.
SUPER WASP SERIES 5D – SIX – Again, new styling, resembling that of the Jets, was applied to Super Wasp Hudsons this year The grille had a heavy, bowed molding tracing the upper radiator opening and a full-width, flat horizontal loop surÂrounding wedge shaped parking lights at each end. The main bar (actually the top of the loop) was ribbed towards the middle and held a triangular Hudson medallion in a finned housing at its center. Behind this bar was an angled plate with four additional, wide-spaced ribs. Block letters spelled out “Hudson” below the scoop on the nose of the hood. “Super Wasp” in script was placed on the front fender tips, above a full-length horizontal rub molding. Two-door hardtops had “Hollywood” in script at the upper rear edge of front fenders. A panoramic one-piece windshield and protruding tip taillamps were new. Bright metal gravel shields with windsplit vents decorated the sides of rear fenders.
Standard equipment on Super Wasps included fender skirts, cigar lighter, robe cord, front seat back pockets, rear ash tray, large hub caps, front foam seat cushions, CusÂtom steering wheel, passenger assist handles, crank type front ventipanes on Hollywoods and convertibles, courtesy door lights, combination fuel and vacuum pump and two-tone Blue or Green check pattern tweed cloth upholstery with worsted bolster material and Plasti-hide trim. In Super Wasp convertibles Blue, Maroon or Green leather cushions with Plasti-hide side trim was standard. The Super Wasp Hollywood hardtop had Brown, Blue or Green Nylon cord seats with snowflake design cloth upholÂstery and harmonizing Plasti-hide bolsters.
HORNET SPECIAL SERIES 6D – SIX –Â They appeared March 19, 1954 at prices $115 to $140 lower than comparable Hornets. They had “Hornet Special” on the front fenders, the Hornet engine and exterior brightwork, but Super Wasp interior trim:Â with cigar lighter, robe cord, front seat back pockets, rear ash tray, large hub caps, front foam seat cushions, CusÂtom steering wheel, passenger assist handles, crank type front ventipanes on Hollywoods and convertibles, courtesy door lights, combination fuel and vacuum pump and two-tone Blue or Green check pattern tweed cloth upholstery with worsted bolster material and Plasti-hide trim. In Super Wasp convertibles Blue, Maroon or Green leather cushions with Plasti-hide side trim was standard. The Hollywood hardtop had Brown, Blue or Green Nylon cord seats with snowflake design cloth upholÂstery and harmonizing Plasti-hide bolsters.
HORNET SPECIAL SERIES 7D – SIX – All Hornets seemed a little more like Super Wasps this year, although the longer 124 inch wheelbase was still used. The appearance change to the Jet-like look brought an end to the front fender rocketship ornaments. “Hudson” in script was seen on the fenders, but only the trunk lid had any sort of special badge. As on Super Wasps, two-door hardtops also had “HolÂlywood” in script at the high trailing edge of front fenders, above the full-length horizontal body rub moldings.
Hornets had the Super Wasp equipment, plus the following addiÂtions or changes: crank type front ventipanes on all models, cast aluminum ‘high head’, electric clock, foam rubber rear seat cushions, Custom wheel discs, hydraulic window lifts (in convertibles) and special trims. Sedans and club coupes were upholÂstered in 15 percent Nylon worsted Bedford cloth with broadcloth bolsters and PlastiÂhide trim in different shades of the same colors, Brown, Blue or Green. The Hornet Hollywood had similarly toned, snowflake design Nylon cord seats with Plasti-hide bolsters. The convertible was done in Blue, Maroon or Green genuine leather (with Plasti-hide side trim) and offered Maroon, Black or Tan tops.
Specific combinations of top colors with car finishes were recommended, but were not considered mandatory. Additionally, the Hollywood hardtop could be outfitted with tri-colored seat and headlining combiÂnations of Antique White Plasti-hide and Red, Blue and Green bolsters, at no extra cost.
HUDSON ITALIA – CUSTOM SERIES – SIX – Twenty-six Hudson Italia coupes were built, in 1954 using the Jet platform. The Italia body was styled and built by Carrozzeria Touring, of Milan, Italy, based on original sketches by Hudson’s own Frank Spring. It had aluminum coachwork; functional front fender scoops with brake cooling ducts; wraparound windshield; flow through ventilation; contoured leather bucket seats with three different densities of foam for proper support; deep pile Italian floor carpeting; Borrani wire spoke wheels; white sidewall tires; radio; heater; backup lights and turn signals stacked in Jet-tube pipes tunneled into rear fenders.
The Italia was announced, as a production model, on January 14, 1954, the same day Hudson’s merger with Nash Motors was approved. They were actually designed and custom built as four-passenger Grand Touring ‘image’ cars to steal attention from Chevy Corvettes, Ford T-Birds and Ghia Chrysler show cars. Twenty-five were actually sold as production models, while a coupe prototype and four-door X-161 pilot model were also created. Twenty-one of these cars are known to still exist.
Engines
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- Jest Standard 202 CID I-6
- Jet Twin H-Power 202 CID I-6
- Wasp 232 CID I-6
- Wasp 262 CID CID I-6
- Wasp Twin H-Power 262 CID I-6
- Hornet 308 CID I-6
- Hornet Twin H-Power 308 CID I-6
Jet and Super Jet Standard Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 202 CID. Bore am stroke: 3.00″ x 4.75″ inches. Compression ratio: 7.5:1. Horsepower: 104 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 158 @ 1400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter one-barrel type WA-: Models 2009S or 2009SA.
Jet and Super Jet “Twin H-Power” Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 202 CID. Bore am stroke: 3.00″ x 4.75″ inches. Compression ratio: 8.0:1. Horsepower: 114 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 160 @ 1400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 749S. (Twin H-Power became a factory-installed production option for 1953 Jets early in the 1953 production run).
Wasp Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 232 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.5625″ x 3.875″. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 126 @ 4400 RPM. Torque: 178 @ 2400 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter one-barrel type Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 749SÂ NOTE: The Super Wasp 262 CID I-6 engine was optional on the Wasp, including the Twin H-Power as an additional option.
Super Wasp Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 262 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.5625″ x 4.375″. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 140 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 214 @ 1600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: 2-barrel WGD Type Model 2115-S.
Super Wasp “Twin H-Power” Six: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 262 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.5625″ x 4.375″. Compression ratio: 7.0:1. Horsepower: 149 @ 4000 RPM. Torque: 226 @ 2600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Two Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 2114-S.
Hornet “H-Power Six”: Inline L-head six-cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 308 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.8125″ x 4.5 inches. Compression ratio: 7.5:1. Horsepower: [email protected] 3800 RPM. Torque: 264 @ 1800 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetor: Carter two-barrel type WGD model 2115-S.
Hornet Twin H-Power Series Six: Inline L-head -cylinder. Chrome alloy block. Displacement: 308 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.8125″ x 4.5 inches. Compression ratio: 7.2:1. Horsepower: [email protected] 4000 RPM. Torque: 278 @ 2600 RPM. Four main bearings. Solid valve lifters. Carburetors: Two Carter one-barrel type WA-1 model 2113-S.
Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase:Â Jet 105″, Wasp 119″, Hornet 124″, Italia 105″.
- Overall length:Â Jet 180.69″, Wasp 201.50″, Super Wasp 202.4688″, Hornet 208.8750″.
- Front tread:Â Jet & Italia 54.00″, All Others 58.50″.
- Rear tread:Â Jet & Italia 52.00″, All Others 55.50″.
- Overall width: Jet: 67.062″, Super Jet/Jet Liner 67.593″, Italia 70.5″, Wasp 77.593, Super Wasp/Hornet 77.656″.
- Tires:Â Jet 5.90 x 15 , Super Jet & Jetliner 6.40 x 15, Hornet Convertible 7.60 x 15, Italia 7.00 x 15, All Others 7.10 x 15.
Significant Options
-
- Backup lights in Super Jet/Jetliner ($18); on Wasps and Hornets ($24).
- Chrome plated wire wheels, except Jets.
- Cigar lighter, in Jet ($4).
- Continental tire extension kit was offered as a dealer installed accessory.
- Custom steering wheel, in Jet/Wasp ($20); in Super Jet/Jetliner ($19).
- Custom wheel discs, on Jet/Super Jet and base Wasp ($20); on Super Hornet ($18).
- Direction indicators, in Jets ($16); in others ($20).
- Electric clock, in Jet ($22); in Wasps ($19).
- Exhaust deflector ($2).
- Extra-heavy-duty shock absorbers, in Jets ($5); other models ($14).
- Front foam seats, in Jet/Super Jet ($13); in Wasp ($14).
- Glare-proof mirror ($5).
- Heater, Weather Control with remote control, in Jets ($73); in others ($74).
- Heavy scale springs, front and rear or rear only, separate no cost option in Jets and other models.
- Hydraulic window regulators in Super Wasp convertible ($67).
- Large hub caps, Wasp only ($11).
- Orion convertible top ($134).
- Outside rear view mirror (OSRV), in Jets ($5); all others ($6).
- Outside visor with traffic light viewer in Wasps and Hornets ($33).
- Plastic convertible rear window ($10).
- Power brakes, except Jet ($43).
- Power steering, Wasps and Hornets only ($177).
- Radio, eight-tube push button ($100).
- Radio, six-tube manual Jets only ($82).
- Rear arm rest, Wasp two-door sedan ($4).
- Rear foam seats, Jet/Super Jet ($13); in Wasp/Super Wasp ($14).
- Rear wheel covers (skirts), in Jet/Super Jet only ($15).
- Safety Group in Jet: directionals; glare proof and OSRV mirrors and windshield washer ($49).
- Safety Group in Super Jet/Jetliner: includes backup lights; directionals; glare proof and OSRV mirrors and windshield washer, plus combination fuel/vacuum pump ($66).
- Safety Group in Super Wasp and Hornet: includes backup lights; directionals; glare proof and OSRV mirrors and windshield washer ($66).
- Safety Group in Wasp: includes backup lights; directionals; glare proof and OSRV mirrors and windshield washer, plus combination fuel/vacuum pump ($78)
- Solex glass with sunshade windshield ($33).
- Tire options: white sidewalls, oversize or extra-ply construction types at a variety of exchange prices based on series, model and body style.
- Velchrome painted wire wheels, (Special order in all models).
- Wheel trim rings, Jets and Wasps ($15).
- Wheels painted upper body color, (no cost with two-tone paint).
- Window and wing vent shades, except convertible and Hollywood hardtop ($18).
- Windshield washer ($11).
Color and Trim Options:
- Roman Bronze, or Pasture Green special paint (no charge except Jet/Wasp base models).
- Algerian Blue, Coronation Cream, St. Clair Gray, or Lipstick Red solid colors (extra cost).
- Model 1D Gray Plasti-hide trim (extra cost).
- Model 2D Blue or Green Plasti-hide trim (extra cost).
- Model 3D worsted upholstery (no cost).
- Model 4D Pioneer Grain leather trim (extra cost).
- Model 5D Maroon Pioneer Grain or Green Antique Grain leather trim (extra cost).
- Model 5D Hollywood Plasti-hide trim (no cost).
- Model 7D sedan and club coupe, Blue, Maroon or Gren Antique Grain leather trim (extra cost).
- Model 7D Hollywood Blue or Maroon leather trim (extra cost).
Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
 1954 Hudson
K-5 Ebony Black | |
 | B-158 Beret Blue |
 | G-168 Algerian Blue |
 | H-165 Roman Bronze |
 | J-159 Silver Blue |
 | M-167 Royal Red |
 | M-182 Lipstick |
 | N-166 Coronation Cream |
 | P-162 Pacific Blue |
 | P-181 Green Gold |
 | Q-161 Spring Green |
 | S-164 Pasture Green |
 | CC-163 Palm Beach Green |
 | RR-160 Saint Clair Gray |
1954 Hudson –
Current Market Values
- 1954 Hudson Jet Valuation Tool
- 1954 Hudson Wasp Valuation Tool
- 1954 Hudson Hornet Valuation Tool
- 1954 Hudson Italia Valuation Tool
Hudson in Racing
The special “7-X” engine package continued, still all about high-performance stock car racing. This power plant was a crate engine that was not factory installed and could only be ordered by serious racer, over the counter. Horsepower ratings were never released as exact numbers because each engine. The OHV V-8s were now eclipsing the 7X in power and torque, so Hudson no longer held a strangle hold on short tracks.
Click HERE to learn more about Hudson’s stock car victories.
Click HERE to learn about the “7X” race engine.
Historical Footnotes
October 2, 1953 was the dealer introduction date for 1954 Hudson Full-Size and Jet Utility Sedans. The upscale Jetliner Series was introduced ten days later. On April 12, 1954 the Jet Family Club Sedan was added to the line. Model year production totaled 51,314 cars.
Hudson directors approved a merger with Nash-Kelvinator early in 1954. On March 24, 1954, Hudson stockholders approved the merger. On May 1, 1954. Hudson officially became part of American Motors Corporation. Twenty-six days later, Hudson employees were notified that production was being switched to the Nash automobile factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. On October 2, 1954, the 1954 Hudson model run ended in Detroit. Eleven days later the first Hudson/Rambler departed the Kenosha plant. On December 28, 1954, the first 1955 Hudson Wasp V-8 was built at Kenosha. An era in Hudson’s history had ended.
Powertrain Options
- Oil bath air cleaner ($8).
- Two oil bath air cleaners with ‘Twin-H’ power package ($16).
- Aluminum cylinder head, Wasps ($14); Jets ($12).
- Twin H-Power setup for the Jet sedan ($50)
- Special 127 horsepower Super Wasp Six for Wasp ($37).
- Hydra-Matic Drive ($176).
- Oil filter ($14).
- Overdrive for Jets ($102); for other models ($111).
- Combination fuel and vacuum pump for base Wasp ($12); for Jet/Super Jet ($11).
- Twin oil bath air cleaners mandatory on Wasp 4C with “Twin-H Power ($85.60).
- Available rear axles included 4.09:1, 4.10:1 4.55:1, 4.27:1, 3.54:1, 3.31:1 and 3.07:1 gear ratios. Specific applications of axle ratios varied with models and transmissions, but options available were no extra cost.
Taxi or Police Options –
Available on models as indicated:
- Extra-wide 2-1/4 inch brake (standard in 5D, 7D; special order in 4D).
- Heavy-duty clutch (standard in 5D, 7D; special order in 1-2-3-4D).
- Heavy-duty battery (special order in 1-2-3D).
- Police/Taxi special seat construction (special order in 1-2-3D).
Related Document
Downloads
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Related Images
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1954 Hudson Hornet Convertible
The 1954 Hudson Hornet Convertible looked a lot less stodgy in 1954, but its $3,288 price tag and no V-8 power resulted in only 540 being delivered.
1954 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop
The 1954 Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop’s new sheet metal and roof line definitely moved the car into 1950s styling. Unfortunately the chassis and engine were pure 1951. Only 1.170 of these sharp looking hardtops were sold this year – pinpointing the beginning of the end for Hudson.
1954 Hudson Hornet 4-door Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Hornet 4-door Sedan was the bread and butter of the Hudson line, selling in more numbers than any other model. But the restyle did not hide the car’s 1948 lineage. Where over 20,000 were sold in 1951, less than 3,000 were delivered in 1954.
1954 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe
The 1954 Hudson Hornet Club Coupe should have been a big hit for Hudson – sharp looks lower weight, and 170 HP on tap. But it just didn’t happen. People wanted V-8 power.
1954 Hudson Hornet-Special 4-door Sedan
Externally, the Hornet special 4-door could only be separated from the standard Hornet by the “Special” inserted under the “Hornet” on the front fenders. The $150 less difference in price was due to the fitment of a less posh Super Wasp interior.
1954 Hudson Hornet Special 2-Door Coupe
Externally, the 1954 Hudson Hornet Special 2-Door Coupe could only be separated from the standard Hornet by the “Special” inserted under the “Hornet” on the front fenders. The $120 less difference in price was due to the fitment of a less posh Super Wasp interior. Of Note, there was no Hornet Special Hollywood Hardtop offered.
1954 Hudson Hornet Special Club Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Hornet Special Club Sedan’s only external clue that it was different from the regular Hornet Club Sedan was the “Special” under the “Hornet” nameplate. Like other Specials, the difference was in using the less posh Super wasp interior trim.
1954 Hudson Hornet Rear Fascia
Another surprise in the 1954 restyle was that identifying a Hornet became harder. For whatever reason, Hudson only attached the famous Hornet “Rocket” to the trunk.
1954 Hudson Super Wasp Convertible
The 1954 Hudson Super Wasp Convertible was the way to go if you were looking for style but didn’t want to suffer the Hornet convertible’s $3,288 price tag. 1,263 were sold, more than double the number of Hornet units.
1954 Hudson Super Wasp Club Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Super Wasp Club Sedan featured an upscale interior over the standard as well as the 262 CID I-6. For that you paid $2,413, almost $500 more.
1954 Hudson Super Wasp Club Coupe
The 1954 Hudson Super Wasp Club Coupe was a handsome alternative to the Hollywood Hardtop. You received solid good looks at a $250 discount over the upscale model.
1954 Hudson Super Wasp 4-door Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Super Wasp 4-door Sedan was typical Hudson fare. While the side sheet metal and front fascia were new the roof line and interior were not. The curved front windshield was an improvement, however.
1954 Hudson Wasp Club Coupe
The 1954 Hudson Wasp Club Coupe was one of two of the least expensive full-size Hudsons in 1954 at $2,311 base price.
1954 Hudson Wasp 4-door Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Wasp 4-door Sedan was priced equal to the Club Coupe at $2,311, but offered the versatility of four doors. Both sat on the 119″ wheelbase.
1954 Hudson Wasp 2-door Club Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Wasp 2-door Club Sedan was price lower than the 4-door Sedan at $2,264, largely because of the lesser amount of doors.
1954 Hudson Jet-Liner 4-door Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Jet-Liner 4-door Sedan was an attempt to move the Jet line upstream. Aside from some chrome and a nicer inter, the car was no different from the Super Jet.
1954 Hudson Super Jet 4-door Sedan
Until the Jet Liner appeared, the 1954 Hudson Super Jet 4-door Sedan was the top Jet model. Aside from additional bright work and an upscale interior, the Super Jet topped the list of Jet vehicles.
1954 Hudson Super Jet Club Sedan
The 1954 Hudson Super Jet Club Sedan might be considered the sporty Jet model. It had plenty of brigh twork and could be equipped with Twin H-power, albeit in the 202 CID I-6 form. The Jet Liner (not shown) had even more bright work and a nicer interior, but few were sold.
1954 Hudson Jet 4-door Sedan
1954 Hudson Jet 4-door Sedan was intended to be the bread and butter Hudson Jet. It did sell in reasonable numbers, but merely replaced the old Pacemaker 4-door as Hudson’s entry vehicle. No new sales resulted from the Jet line – in fact, less entry Hudsons were sold once the Jet appeared.