Jay Leno Drives the Rare 1953 Hudson Hornet Convertible Coupe | Jay Leno's Garage

Comments · 469

• CU

  @curtgomes · 3 weeks ago (edited)

  In  1953 I was a small boy.   I don't know why I remember this incident from so many years ago.  My dad and I were sitting on a bus bench waiting for the city bus.  As the cars drove by I would ask him for the make of each one,   He dutifully told me as they passed by.  Soon a Hudson drove by and again I asked him.  He told me it was a Hudson.  I heard it as a "HUD" son.      From then on those cars  were "Huds"  for me.....   They were beautiful cars.      God Bless Jay Leno....

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• RO

  @robscafidi4070 · 3 weeks ago

  JL Hudson, the founder of Hudson&apos;s department stores, just invested in the car company with their lead startup money, so they named it after him in tribute. He served as chairman of the board for the first three years, but then cashed out all his shares and left the company.The primary founder was actually Roy Chapin Sr, who initially served as president, then took over the chairman role when Hudson left. His son, Roy Chapin Jr, later served as chairman &amp; CEO of American Motors Corp, and his grandson, William Chapin, held a number of management roles at American Motors and was probably on a career track to eventually be the 3rd generation head of the company before it was sold to Chrysler. He&apos;s the one who oversaw the organization of the Beijing Jeep joint venture and the introduction of Jeep to China. <br><br>Hudson&apos;s department stores evolved into Dayton-Hudson and then into the present-day Target Corporation

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• SU

  @Supercruze · 3 weeks ago

  The thing that always amazes me about these older cars from the late 40s and early 50s was the pride manufactures and auto worker put into building these cars. &nbsp;Everything is like a piece of jewelry in appearance and feel right down to the shifter knob, ash trays, and power window switches. Gorgeous car. &nbsp;Thanks for sharing.

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• TI

  @timothykness7256 · 3 weeks ago

  Awesome restoration of an amazing car. &nbsp;Steve Stratos is a champ for making sure the rest of his team gets credit where it is due!

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• DE

  @deaddocreallydeaddoc5244 · 3 weeks ago (edited)

  I was born in 1952 in Wisconsin. My grandfather bought my father a Hudson Green Hornet, which he used to drive the family to Sacramento six months after I was born. I remember it. &nbsp;I used to lay in the back window space and look up at the stars at night until I got too big. &nbsp;I remember the radio, too. &nbsp;What a nice car!

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• BD

  @Bdub1952 · 3 weeks ago

  An art deco masterpiece on four wheels.

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• TO

  @toirmetalshaping · 3 weeks ago

  Center-point steering, full frame/uni-body design, twin H power. . . from what i can remember, the Hudson collector i worked for restoring his 37 Commodore 8 cabriolet told me the Boat represents the vehicle ride, while the Castle represents the strength and craftsmaship. Love this restoration!!!

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• AZ

  @azmick662 · 2 weeks ago

  Amazing that with all his wealth, Jay still appreciates how much things cost.

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• MI

  @MikeRussell-x8l · 3 weeks ago

  My father qualified for a new Oldsmobile after WWII as part of the War Valiant program. He was an AK amputee in 1918 at 8 years old, went on to become a Doctor, and serve in WWII (he volunteered for service). Oldsmobile had 5 levels of handicap controls, because my father was a left leg amputee our Olds was the lowest level, The dimmer switch was remounted to the dash and the Hydramatic accommodated his left leg amputation. Other car companies offered similar programs but the Hydramatic gave Olds an advantage. GM also discounted the price and offered financing to the disabled GI&apos;s. Mike Russell

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• JP

  @jppagetoo · 3 weeks ago

  What a treasure. Hudson&apos;s are wonderful machines.

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• CL

  @claycampbell7901 · 3 weeks ago

  Absolutely Stunning Automobile !

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• HA

  @haroldbirge6881 · 3 weeks ago

  🏆You&apos;re awesome Jay 🏁 The true king of cars 😎✌️

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