1956 Hudson Rambler

[moparnut]

1956 Hudson Rambler - $17,950 - Scottsdale, AZ - 1956 Hudson Rambler, Rare find in this condition and only 300 of these beauties ever made in this color combination. Formerly part of the Astor Car Museum. (Second car shown in the video attached and it's current condition.)
Very straight and solid, this tri-colored pink, (ballerina red) grey and white Hudson Rambler underwent a recent sympathetic restoration. It was repainted in its original fifties paint scheme and refreshed bright work was added where necessary. Inside, the original salmon and grey cloth and vinyl upholstery has been retained with new grey fitted carpeting. The original Hudson dash was fully refurbished and treated to some new chrome trim.
Mechanically, this Rambler was completely overhauled and remains in turnkey condition. Well cared for over the past fifty years, under the hood the reliable six-cylinder engine still bears it's original factory finish, while the clean undercarriage remains essentially untouched cosmetically. Added features on this rarer Hudson version of AMC's popular Rambler include a clock, radio, heater/defroster, dual mirrors and wide whitewall tires with full wheel discs.
"Transporting of vehicle to your state included in purchase price" (HI and AK not included)
She is a beauty and gets looks everywhere she goes. You won't be disappointed.


Link to ad on Hemmings.com

 

[68R/T]

Last of the Hudson name.

 

[Dr.Jass]

With styling like that, it's not hard to see why.

 

[68R/T]

With styling like that, it's not hard to see why.

True, but in actuality in 1956 that styling wasn't as absurd as it is today. The merger of Nash & Hudson took place in 1954 and for the next 2 years both names were used on identical cars. During this transition the Hudson powertrains were used in Nash designed bodys. Hudsons racing history was well known during the early 50's and highly revered, so it made good sense to use it. Nash's unibody, though not well accepted at the time, did have a reputation for reliability and economy. The merger was a smart move for them both during a major slump in auto sales.

They probably would have been much better off if they had given the Hudson designers more influence with styling. because they were definitely ahead of the times.

Example, 1952 Hudson;



...as compared to a 1952 Nash;

 

[Dr.Jass]

I would argue that the '52 Nash's overall styling was further advanced than the Hudson's, though not nearly as attractive. It leaned more toward the coming trend toward more slab-sided cars that would start to appear around '60-'61, whereas the gorgeous Hudson, sadly, would look dated only four or five years hence. Obviously, the roofline doesn't follow suit; to my eye that's why the Nash looks disjointed and ugly. That situation was made even worse in the '56 by trying to add "1950s styling" with tacked-on chrome slabs and moving the headlamps inboard. The rear-swept C-pillar design never really worked on any sedan or coupe, with the exception of some fastback designs such as the first-generation Barracuda. Mercury's dalliance with the design was less obnoxious because it was on a much-larger car, which diminished it somewhat, but it still was not an attractive outcome. The '56 Nash's opened wheelwells were a welcome change, but of course the low-cut versions would stay in the Rambler styling portfolio well after '56 for some reason. The Metropolitan comes to mind.

It's unfortunate that the Hudson name would not continue since they did have a solid performance reputation, but tacking it to an awkward Nash design certainly didn't help what by then was already a dire situation for the marque.

And, of course, not any of this is Mopar-related in the least bit. :doh: