Commodore 8 coupe

1950

bBMW Z3 M

1999

Commodore cab

1949

The best seller 1950 and (1949) was the Custom Commodore Six which chalked up 24605 (32715) on the production score board. This line of three models was the Series 502 wth serialnumber ranging up from 502101. Heading the entire Hudson family was the Custom Commodore Eight, of wich 16731 (28687) were built in tree models coded the series 504 and having 504101 as the first serial number. The total including Pacemaker model was 121408 (159100)cars buld in 1950 (1949). The custom commodore eight club coupe cost 2341 (2448)  and the cab 2893 (3041) dollar. Hoodtop and fender ornaments was of new design. At the bottom of  the new grill on senior hudsons, a wider bar incorporated flush-fitted park/turn signal lamps at the ends.

Beginning in 1953, Hudson would field only the Hudson Hornet and Hudson Wasp line, and introduce the ill-fated Hudson Jet compact.

 The Commodore and the Commodore Custom names debuted in Hudson's 1941 model line. Commodore models rode exclusively on the 121" wheelbase, while Commodore Customs rode either on the company's 121" wheelbase for coupes, or 128" for sedans. Commodore's were either powered by Hudson's 202ci I6 producing 102 bhp, or Hudson's 254.4 I8 that produced 128 bhp.

The Commodore series was Hudson's largest model range in its debut year, consisting of sedans, coupes and convertibles. Hudson continued to use a forward hinged hood which opened from the rear with the nose of the hood sliding downward over the grille.

For 1942, the cars received a facelift of the 1940 and 1941 models. Included in this were concealed running boards, modestly enlarged from grilles, and external trim arrangements. The firm promoted its economy over luxury in the shortened model in the year which ended in January, 1942 for U.S. war production.FFor the 1948 model, Hudson introduced the "step-down" automobile body. Frame cars place the car body onto the chassis and then the two units are bolted to one another. Because of the added height of the configuration, passengers stepped up and into the vehicles, hence the need for running boards. Hudson's step-down body placed the passenger compartment down inside the chassis, with the car's perimeter frame encircling the passenger compartment. Thus, Hudson passengers stepped-down into the car.

In addition to the added safety of being surrounded by the car's chassis, the step-down also allowed Hudson to take advantage of the weight savings provided through unibody construction, making for a well-performing automobile.

1948 Commodores came in one series, and were available in either I8 or I6 powered fashion. Body styles included two and four door sedans and a convertible coupe. Interiors were upholstered in broadcloth on sedans, leather on convertibles. Again, Hudson continued to provide numerous standard features that other manufacturers classified as upcharge options. Commodore Eight production rose to 35,315 units.

For 1949, the Commodore line was enlarged, and again included a higher trim Commodore Custom line. 1950-1952 repeated the pattern with nominal trim changes on the exterior of the cars.

In its final year, the Commodore was split into a Six series and an Eight series. The exterior received another trim change, but by the end of the 1951-1952 model year the Step-Down bodies were beginning to look outdated. Instead of redesigning the senior Hudson's, company President A.E. Barit pushed ahead with the firm's plan for a compact Hudson.