Long Live the Hudson Hornet

Your photo of an automobile detailer administering tender loving care to a mint 1951 Hudson Hornet brought a nostalgic glint to these old eyes. (“Detailing, Or What Price Car Wash?” by Betty Cuniberti, June 21; photo by Al Stephenson).

The ‘51-54 Hornet--reluctantly phased out when dire economic necessity forced the Hudson Motor Car Co. to merge with Nash to form still-struggling American Motors--was probably the best-engineered car ever built in America. With its super-sturdy construction, the magnificent handling inherent in its low center-of-gravity “step-down” body design, and its potent flathead six-cylinder engine (capable of 210 horsepower with twin carburetors and dual intake manifolds), the Hornet showed its taillights to highly touted V8s in most of the stock car races of the period. Though the marque was subsequently revived by AMC for its line of station wagons and sedans, the glory days are gone--forever.

DR. MARVIN H. LEAF

Malibu