Hudson 1940 Models

Debuted in September 1939, the 1940 Hudson model line marked a clear transition to a more horizontal and modernistic design language that would gain precedence industry-wide by the late 1940s, with a new two-element grille design containing substantial horizontal bars heightening the wider new look. Avoiding the possibility of alienating Hudson traditionalists with too many changes, all models were offered with or without running boards at no additional cost. Mechanical and technical improvements were headlined by a new, fully independent coil-spring front suspension.

Model choices and body styles were numerous. The prior year’s entry-level Hudson 112 series was now dropped for 1940 and succeeded by three Series 40 models – all on the short 113-inch wheelbase chassis, comprising the 40T Traveler Six, 40P Deluxe Six, and Series 40C Business car. At the mid-range were the Series 41 Super Six, Series 44 Hudson Eight, and Series 45 Deluxe Eight – all on the 118-inch wheelbase chassis, with the Series 43 Country Club Six and Series 47 Country Club Eight positioned at the top of the 1940 Hudson lineup on the longest 125-inch wheelbase. Supplementing the Series 40C Business cars were the Series 48P Big Boy Six and Series 48C Big Boy Business models, also sharing the 125-inch wheelbase chassis. Buyers responded enthusiastically, with Hudson selling nearly 88,000 vehicles in all during 1940.