HudsonJet.net

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The Jet above is the inspiration for my second Jet!

How does the Jet model compare to the other Hudsons? During development days, rumor had it that Hudson was putting step-down principles into a lighter car. Following a $12 million development program, the economy-priced Hudson Jet debuted in 1953. When produced, the Jet's basic suspension and chassis features were similar to the bigger Hudsons. Suspension is by coil springs at the rear. Tubular shocks are used all around. However, the Jet lacked the low step-down look that the big Hudsons had made famous. It also turned out too high compared to the heights of rival cars such as the Nash Rambler and Willys. The extra performance of 104 to 114 horsepower produced by a 202-cid six-cylinder engine, sturdiness, and other quality features didn't aid in boosting sales. Jets featured one-piece glass windows in front and back as opposed to a split window in the larger Hudsons of that time.

Prices started at a factory base of $1858 for the standard Jet, when built without extras. This came in a 4-Door Sedan model only, labeled Series 10. The Super Jet, Series 20, cost $1954. The 2-door Club Sedan version of the Super Jet cost $1933. The lowest-priced Hudson of 1954 was the Jet Family Club Sedan, first making its apprearance April 12th with a factory price of $1621, $71 above the competing Nash Rambler. Assessories such as extra window trim, wheel skirts, whitewall tires, and wheel trim rings were also available as well as a 2-tone paint scheme.

Unfortunately, there was not yet a large enough demand for compact cars and sales were not as hoped. Lack of sales were blamed on the side styling as well as high price. The problem with price was somewhat ironic since the compact Jet was an entrant into the low-price field. However, Monobuilt body-and frame construction and heavier gauge steel lead to extra manufacturing cost.

For those who are unfamiliar with the terms "Monobuilt" and "step-down," let me introduce you to these features... The Monobuilt design, introduced in 1948, consisted of a chassis and frame that were combined in a unified passenger compartment. This produced a strong, lightweight design with a beneficial lower center of gravity that did not affect road clearance. For the first time, drivers had to step down to get into their cars, thus the name sake of this innovation.

Nash-Kelvinator and Hudson Motor Car Co. combined on May 1, 1954 to form American Motors Corporation. This merger was viewed as a Nash takeover of Hudson. It was a short time before Hudson production was moved from Detroit to Kenosha, Wisconsin and Nash-Healey production ceased.

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