Rare 1954 Hudson Italia (1 of 26 built)

A very rare 1954 Hudson Italia arriving at and leaving the 2023 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park, where it won Second in Class (American Postwar Orphan Marques.) Based on the Hudson Jet, the Italia features unique European-inspired bodywork and interior designed by Frank Spring and was built by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, Italy. This example is no. 17 of 26 Italias built (including the original 1953 prototype), and is one of two Italias in its owner's collection.

This was one of those cars that I had never seen or heard of before but simply assumed was something worth pointing my camera at based on its looks. And it was one of those cars that I knew wouldn't be leaving the show without an award. The Italia's styling is gorgeous from some angles and a tad strange from others, but it's undoubtedly unique and classy both in its time and today. Design details such as the inverted "V" on the front grille, vents above the headlights, and triple-stacked taillights really make the car pop, especially in this color paired with with whitewall tires. Unfortunately the Italia failed to attract buyers, largely due to its high price. So when Hudson became part of the AMC merger in 1954, the car's fate was sealed.

While many car enthusiasts today may have never heard of the Hudson Italia, this owner loves the car enough to own two examples. His collection also includes other rare and little-known American cars such as the Kaiser Darrin and the Muntz Jet, and he is a regular attendee at the annual San Marino event. Thanks for keeping these special pieces of American automotive history alive and bringing them out for others to appreciate!

Do you think the Hudson Italia deserved greater commercial success? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!