Little known fact: While Hollywood movie star Steve McQueen was famous as a fan of Porsche sports cars, who knew he was also a collector of Hudson automobiles?
The Pick of the Day is yet another vehicle once owned by the late actor and motorsports enthusiast, a 1950 Hudson Custom Commodore Six convertible, one of just 700 built and showing only 22,647 miles, a figure believed to be authentic.
The Hudson is fully documented as being a McQueen car, including a copy of the California registration with his name on it, according to the St. Louis, Missouri, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.
“The ‘King of Cool’ was no stranger to the Hudson marque, keeping at least four in his private collection with this Commodore Six being McQueen’s only Hudson convertible,” the seller says in the ad. “Hudson’s are known to have been one of McQueen’s favorite marques as he was frequently seen driving them around in Southern California.
“In true McQueen fashion, this Commodore Six is powered by an upgraded 308ci inline-6 with legendary Hudson ‘Twin H-Power’ carburation – a period performance upgrade that was reputedly performed shortly after McQueen acquired the Hudson in the 1970s. Steve enjoyed this Hudson until his passing in 1980; it was then acquired by a friend of McQueen’s.”
The new owner kept the Hudson in storage for years in Southern California, maintaining it in the condition as it was under McQueen’s ownership, the seller added. It was sold by a subsequent owner just a few years ago at the Bonhams auction at The Quail resort near Monterey, California.
“It presents wonderfully today, showcasing the same amount of patina and charm that first garnered Steve McQueen’s attention,” the seller says. “A recent mechanical service was performed ensuring this classic Hudson convertible will bring many years of enjoyment to its future caretaker.”
Considering the astronomical amounts paid for various McQueen automobiles, this Hudson seems reasonably priced at $149,900.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Some interest, like to see more of the car.
There’s been quite a few automobiles of McQueen’s former collection coming out of the woodwork lately. Likely the sellers are just trying to cash in on his fame while they still can.