Project Description
1939 Hudson “Big Boy” Pickup, Series 98
Make / Model: Hudson “Big Boy” Cab Pickup Series 98, ¾ Ton Truck
Year: 1939
Engine: Straight 6 Cylinder, Twin H-Power, 202 cui / 3310 cm³, 114 PS / 84 kW
Transmission: 3 Speed manual with overdrive
Mileage: 65.867 (unknown)
Condition: restored, condition #2, used
Description
The Hudson company was named after Joseph L. Hudson, a wealthy Detroit businessman and founder of the Hudson Motor Car Company. During the 1920’s the company built a reputation for their reliable Six and Super Six models.
Hudson was known for a number of firsts for the auto industry. This included dual brakes, the use of dashboard oil-pressure and generator warning lights and the first balanced crankshaft.
In 1937 Hudson achieved stunning success in the Class C, closed stock car racing circuit, breaking all existing records. Their durability and performance were unmatched and accounted for 38 records in 1937, many of them high speeds records and endurance runs. At Bonneville, a Hudson Deluxe Eight covered 2,104 miles in 24 hours at an average speed of 87.67 mph.
Later on Hudson was the first automobile manufacturer to get involved in stock car racing. The Hudson Hornet dominated stock car racing in the early 1950s. In 1952, Hudson finished the 1952 AAA season with a 1000-point lead over his closest rival, winning 12 of the 13 scheduled events. Hornets driven in the NASCAR series won 27 races. Overall Hudson set a season record with 40 wins in 48 events, a winning percentage of 83%. Hudson continued the racing success in 1953 and 1954. An incredible accomplishment, especially from a car that had some legitimate luxury credentials.
In recent years “Doc Hudson” became famous in the Disney / Pixar production “Cars”. “Doc” is modeled after a 1951 Hudson Hornet. The 3 time “Piston-Cup“- winning story is a tribute to the race successes of the marque in the early 1950´s.
The name of the Hudson “Big Boy” is associated with the Model 98 3/4-ton, 119-inch wheelbase version of this vehicle.
Our outstanding and super rare example of a 1939 “Big Boy” Pickup is Light Orchid in color and is powered by a 202 cubic inch, 114 hp straight six-cylinder engine that has Twin H-Power. The transmission is a column-mounted three-speed manual with overdrive.
The interior is upholstered in tan leather and is also fitted with a Hudson heater, modern air conditioning and cruise control. A 12-volt conversion has been performed during the restoration. The wheels are colored-coded to the body and have chrome factory hubcaps which are fitted with radial tires. The spare is mounted in the bed, parallel to the back of the cab.
The truck was part of John Soneff´s famous Hudson collection. It has been restored in 1989 and continues to show very well. The work was completed by Soneff’s Master Garage.
Only 640 commercial vehicles were produced by Hudson in 1939 and that figure was inclusive of 1/2-ton and 3/4-ton pickups, cab and chassis trucks, sedan deliveries, woodie wagons and taxi cabs. Unfortunately individual numbers are not available for the “Big Boy” pickup production, but its own production figure is obviously far less than 640. The Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club is said to know of only three 1939 Hudson Pickup trucks in existence today, including ours.
Don´t miss the chance to own a rare piece of American history. An ultimate eye-catcher, ready to drive and show. The “Big Boy” would make a unique marketing and advertising vehicle for companies as well.