1 of 1 Aluminum Bodied Hudson Italia Prototype

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information@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

5527 Lakeview Road. Charlotte. NC. 28269. US

1953 Hudson Italia Prototype

1 of 1 Aluminum Bodied Hudson Italia 01 Prototype

Year: 1953 Type of vehicle title: Clear Primary color: Ivory Mileage: 29290 Transmission type: 3 Speed Manual Engine: 202ci Inline 6 Cylinder Interior color: Red Vehicle info

Being an auto enthusiast and having a stark understanding of perception versus reality goes hand in hand. Ask any major auto exec and they'll tell you that. for better or worse. perception of their brand lags the reality of their products by about 10 years. Unfortunately. some embattled entities literally can't afford to wait for customers to finally see the light. And that added pressure creates the need for a Hail Mary product; a vehicle that's so focused it either sparks a turnaround or creates a legend. In 1993. a struggling Chrysler Corporation's short-term strength was instantly galvanized by the radical. second generation Ram. In 2008. the moribund Pontiac division's last brush with greatness came via limited GXP production. And currently. the Lincoln Motor Company is forwarding their flagship MKS sedan while teetering on the brink of irrelevance. By definition. Hail Marys are a brilliant act of extreme desperation. And one such act is the striking coupe presented here. Titled as a 1953 model. and christened '01 Prototype' by its storied Italian builder. this 100% complete. largely authentic survivor is designer Frank Spring's original prototype for Hudson's rare Italia sports car. If you're a serious collector who's looking for a one-of-a-kind. concours-winning classic. here's your chance to own the most famous Hudson of all time!

Production of the storied Italia was a result of two automotive forces combining their skills to create something mutually beneficial. In America. Hudson styling director Frank Spring believed his brand needed a car that would shake consumers out of their Big Three-induced haze. In Italy. Carrozzeria Touring. now in possession of both Weymann and Superleggera coach patents. was looking to expand its business. Spring. a Paris-educated engineer. had consistently pushed his corporate leaders to position Hudson as an innovative brand. This resulted in several industry breakthroughs including the first balanced crankshaft. the first application of dual brakes. the first 'step down' unit-body and. of course. Hudson's famous 'in motion' design theme. On the other side of the partnership. a post-war Touring had successfully filled contracts for Alfa Romeo. BMW and Ferrari and. knowing his serious background in coachwork. was actively courting Spring for Hudson projects. Finally. in 1953. Hudson management agreed to budget an 'experimental'. Spring-designed sports car.

Spring met with Touring officials over a seafood dinner in Brussels and. with the help of a borrowed cloth napkin. completed the first Italia sketch. The inspired designer agreed to ship a fully assembled Hudson Super Jet to Touring's Milan studio for use as a running prototype. And Touring. with the help of a custom steel tube frame. hand-formed aluminum panels. 20 layers of hand-rubbed Italian Cream lacquer and custom leather trim. created the lust worthy Superleggera you see here. Spring was thrilled with Italia 01 Prototype. and readied a swarm of very excited dealers. Unfortunately. assembly snafus made the production coupe prohibitively expensive. Worse yet. the faltering Hudson Corporation had just been bought by embattled Nash; a company with no interest in specialty sports cars. And ultimately. only 26 Italias rolled into history. When the program ended. Spring. fearing Nash overlords would destroy his beloved Italia prototype. hid the car until it could be sold. When sale approval was given. he immediately passed it to a close friend who. in addition to driving 27K miles in roughly 20 years. ordered a standard repaint and removed its custom header letters. And when that friend passed. his obituary ran in the monthly Hudson Essex Terraplane newsletter giving the car's current owner. who was very concerned about its continued preservation. a chance to amplify his Hudson collection.

In its planning stage. Hudson's Jet compact was envisioned as the brand's most dramatic 'in motion' design. But. given the company's financial crisis. the opinions of bean counters strained that design. and leadership decided to introduce a competent but derivative alternative. After that stale offering failed to meet sales targets. Spring approached said leadership with his dream car Hail Mary. and his 'in motion' Jet evolved into major styling elements for the new Italia. At the front of the car. a low-slung nose hangs a hand-cut. prototype-exclusive grille behind bright headlights. small marker lamps. a small. "PROTOTYPE" branded Touring emblem and a re-chromed bumper that's fitted with a familiar Hudson triangle. At the sides of that nose. dramatic brake ducts. which mimic traditional Hudson triangles. combine with a small mirror and prototype-exclusive antenna to frame a "Superleggera" branded hood. At the back of that hood. a 10-inch reduced greenhouse sits behind traditional stainless wipers. brass. prototype-exclusive window trim and a flow-through. prototype-exclusive cowl vent. At the base of that greenhouse. small "Italia" scripts combine with straight stainless trim to accentuate prototype-exclusive fender scallops and cleverly integrated quarter ducts. And at the back of those ducts. a second re-chromed bumper rides between a chrome tag frame. staggered. prototype-exclusive tail light tubes and a stylized exhaust tip.

One of the smallest companies in America's stagnating auto market. Hudson certainly knew to make the most of its limited resources. The Big Three were enticing more and more customers via exhilarating and outlandish motorsports programs. And Hudson. with its race-winning design and proven powertrains. wanted to supplement its stock car success with entries in the Mexican Road Race Series. That's why the Italia. despite its risqu appearance and decidedly slow sales. not only saw a series-qualifying 25-unit production run. but also borrowed every bit of its mechanicals from the brand's mass-produced Jet. Hardly touched and never disassembled. this coupe's 202 cubic inch. side-valve 6-cylinder spins strong 8 to 1 compression into a solid 114 horsepower. A little on the weak side? Not really. As it sits. the big bore mill is capable of propelling its lightweight hull to a top speed of 95 MPH and standing start times comparable to Chevrolet's iconic Corvette. At the side of the smooth flathead. a Hudson 'Twin H-power induction' system mixes air from two small toppers with fuel that's supplied by two Carter carburetors and familiar stainless fluid lines. That air and fuel travels into an "L-head" aluminum head where it's combusted by large pistons and proven Atlas connecting rods. Fire is supplied by an original points distributor. which shoots spark through vintage plug wires. Cooling comes courtesy of an original. correctly shrouded radiator that's cinched to pliable. corrugated hoses. Spent gases swirl through an original. factory-equipped exhaust system that's caged between a cast manifold and classy stainless tip. And. as with most of the car. the vintage engine bay is a sentimental throwback to exactly how Italias rolled out of the factory.

Inspired by Spring's fascination with the aeronautical industry. Hudson's cutting edge unit-body chassis brings tangible meaning to the phrase "way ahead of its time". Peer under the car and you'll find a completely unrestored floor that's straight. solid and ready to pound the pavement. The hot 202 sends power to an original 3-speed that. with the exception of possibly one other coupe. is the only Italia ever equipped with overdrive. In front of that transmission. a familiar double A-arm suspension is complete with original manual steering. Opposite that steering rack. a rebuilt leaf suspension does an excellent job increasing grip. In the middle of the car. an original. single-pipe exhaust system funnels spent gases through an original. rear-mounted muffler. At the corners of the car. 4-wheel drum brakes ensure solid stops and good handling. And all that fully sorted hardware rolls on original. Italia-exclusive Borranis which spin 6. 40-15 Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around classy chrome center caps.

If a classic makes claims like "The most photographed Hudson of all time". it better have the internal goods to match its external fame. Push the button on this Italia's trick door handles and slide through its 14-inch roof cuts to arrive in a world that. while weathered. is unique and exceptionally attractive. The car's original 'anatomical' leather seats were designed with differing density. premium bolsters and reclining backs to provide both comfort and breathability. Below those seats. high quality wool deep pile has survived surprisingly well over the past 60 years. At the edges of that carpet. two-tone side panels are fitted with stylish Alfa Romeo pulls. From the driver's seat. a rare Alfa Romeo steering wheel laps a matte-finished dash that's complete with reliable Jet gauges. a standard Jet radio and a unique. aircraft-style tach that was installed by Frank Spring himself. And at the back of the cockpit. a stainless-lined cargo shelf anchors original luggage straps in front of an internally locked trunk. fifth Borrani wheel and fifth Firestone tire.

When this super cool super coupe makes its way to a show. it's almost guaranteed awards. The car's most recent accolades include:

1 of only 2 recipients of the Palmetto Award at the 2009 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance
Recipient of the Crowd Pleaser Award at the 2010 BMW Euro Auto Festival

When it came to marketing. Hudson enjoyed promoting the Italia's ability to carry a full-size steamer trunk. And that's exactly the kind of set up this car needs to haul its massive amount of documentation. Here's a chronological list of the items included in our sale:

An owner's manual
A mechanical procedure manual
A stack of vintage marketing materials
Factory photos
A copy of the Italia program's feature in the October 1973 edition of Car Classics magazine
A display board featuring the Italia's original Motor Trend cover story
A display board featuring this Italia's Cars & Parts cover story
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera registration papers
Modern photos
A copy of the car's feature in the April 2008 edition of Cars & Parts magazine
A 2009 Hudson Essex Terraplane Calendar (The only calendar the HET club has ever produced)
A tag from the 2009 Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance
A description and pictures from the 2010 Amelia Isle Concours D'Elegance
A plaque commemorating the 53rd Annual Hudson Essex Terraplane National Meet
A copy of the car's feature in the inaugural edition of Mascot magazine
Grille and decklid trim
A small replica car
A pile of random papers. parts and baubles

An uncompromised example of the pure innovation that drove Detroit's first golden age. Italia 01 Prototype is an investment grade concours winner that's ready for primetime duty on the global show circuit. More importantly. it's a mostly untouched. living preservation of one of America's greatest style and technology leaders. Don't miss your chance to own this superb piece of automotive history!

About this auction & rk motors charlotte

Please note that all sales are binding and final. Our cars are sold "as-is" with no warranty expressed or implied. Please carefully read the terms & conditions of the sale before bidding. Winning this auction does not entitle you to come inspect the car and decide if you want to buy it. but obligates you to complete the purchase! A $1000. 00 deposit via PayPal is due within 24 hours of the auction close . NO EXCEPTIONS.

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If you would like to make a sales visit or arrange an inspection. we would be happy to schedule a personal appointment with either yourself or your representative. To do so. contact Frank Carroll at (704)596-5211 or (440)413-7118. Frank's email address is: Frank. Carroll@RKMotorsCharlotte. com. For those of you who need to fly in. we can provide transportation to and from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We can also recommend accommodations within a short distance of our facility.

RK Motors takes pride in delivering road-ready cars to our customers. That's why every car we sell comes with the assurance of our Seal of Approval process - a comprehensive inspection performed by our sister company. the RKM Performance Center. From major visual defects to basic functionality issues. our Seal of Approval checklist covers the basics so you can feel confident about your purchase.

For international buyers. note that we've shipped cars to collectors and classic car fans world-wide for years. We can provide you with a firm quote for transport to any shipping port in the world in a sealed container and handle the process for you from start to finish. Our domestic and international ground transport solutions are enclosed only. If you wish to use an open carrier. you will need to arrange that. Our Transportation Manager. Jason Spruill. stands ready to help you with your transport & shipping needs. Jason can be reached at: Jason. Spruill@RKMotorsCharlotte. com.

A common question we receive is: "do you accept trades"? We do accept trades. but will only consider #1 or #2 condition vehicles. If you would like us to review a trade. please send recent. high resolution pictures of the entire car. including the underside. Also send a detailed description which includes all specifications. facts. figures. history and documentation present with the car. Lastly. give us a clear idea of what you are seeking in trade value. If you are a MyClassicGarage user. you can send us an Evaluation file for review. Our MCG virtual garage name is: RK Motors Charlotte. Email information and pictures on your trade directly to Frank Carroll. Frank's email address is: Frank. Carroll@RKMotorsCharlotte. com.

Our 60. 00 sqf retail showrooms are located in beautiful Charlotte. North Carolina . We usually have 200-250 incredible cars on display. and there's always something new. Feel free to make an appointment. stop in and meet our staff. and. more importantly. see the Greatest Showroom on Earth! Each and every one of our employees is an absolute car nut and we do this because we love cars!

In addition to our retail showroom in Charlotte. NC. the RKM Performance Center is located in a 40. 00 sqf facility in Mooresville. NC. which is about 20 minutes north of Charlotte in the heart of NASCAR country. We perform complete restorations for classic car collectors worldwide. RKM restored cars have won numerous national awards.

Check out our feedback from other customers who have purchased cars from us in the past on our website. We pride ourselves on describing our cars accurately. and. our cars really do look better in person than in the pictures!

Every car that you see for sale is in our physical possession and located at our main facility. 5527 Lakeview Road. Charlotte. NC. 28269. For general information. call us at: (704)596-5211.

RKM Performance Center Heated paint booth Sanding room Mixing room Sandblasting cabinet Interior shop Metal fabrication shop 10 two post lifts Alignment rack

Frank Carroll President & C. E. O

5527 Lakeview Road
Charlotte. NC. 28269

Phone: 704-596-5211
Fax: 704-596-5980
Mobile: (440)413-7118
Frank. Carroll@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

Gerry Notara Vice President
of Operations

5527 Lakeview Road
Charlotte. NC. 28269

Phone: 704-596-5211
Fax: 704-596-5980
Mobile: 704-773-4658
Gerry. Notara@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

Donald Berard Sales Manager

5527 Lakeview Road
Charlotte. NC. 28269

Phone: 704-596-5211
Fax: 704-596-5980
Mobile: 781-773-4648
Donald. Berard@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

Jason Spruill Transport Manager

5527 Lakeview Road
Charlotte. NC. 28269

Phone: 704-596-5211
Fax: 704-596-5980
Mobile: 704-797-6199
jason. spruill@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

704. 596. 5211 704. 596. 5980 info@RKMotorsCharlotte. com

Showroom

5527 Lakeview Road
Charlotte. NC 28269

RKM Performance Center

161 Knob Hill Road
Mooresville. NC 28117

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