Preserve or restore: ’51 Hudson Wasp
Hudsons were known for producing well engineered but conservatively styled cars. The reputation changed in 1947 when Hudson introduced their new 1948 models in nationwide showings – “This Time It’s Hudson”. Hudson spent $16 million for development and new production equipment. The new car was revolutionary in that virtually no parts interchanged with the 1947 models, except the eight cylinder engine. 
The car had the lowest center of gravity and the lowest roofline of any American car without sacrificing headroom, because the floorpans are attached to the bottom of the frame instead of the top as all previous American cars had been. Today’s find is an original, unrestored car that asks the question – What do you do with it? Preserve or restore? We say keep it the way it is. Mainly because it looks pretty cool as is and if you embarked on a restoration, you would be drowning in red ink. The car is totally intact and it sounds like a great runner. The seller has driven the car hundreds of miles at highway speeds and he reports it tracks straight and runs well. Now that we think of it, wouldn’t it make a super Rat Rod? Please Hornet Wasp fans, don’t write in. See the eBay listing by clicking here.
I purchased a ’53 Super Wasp Brougham which was basically the same car in a two door and one year newer that had 20K original miles and drove it many times across country eventually selling at 140K miles. Enjoyed every mile. The long wheelbase Hornets and Commodores handled and rode better still than these short w.b. models.