134434 / 1953 Hudson Italia Prototype

For more information on this vehicle visit Titled as a 1953 model, and christened number 01 by its storied Italian builder, this 100% complete, largely authentic survivor is designer Frank Spring’s original prototype for Hudson’s rare Italia sports car. As the old story goes, Frank Spring, Hudson’s lead designer, met with Carrozzeria Touring officials over a seafood dinner in Brussels and, with the help of a borrowed cloth napkin, completed the first Italia sketch. Touring, with the help of a custom steel tube frame, hand-formed aluminum panels, 20 layers of hand-rubbed Italian Cream lacquer and custom leather trim, created the lust worthy Superleggera you see here. And ultimately, 26 Italias rolled into the history books. When the program ended, Spring hid his prized prototype until attaining permission to sell it. When the sale was approved, he immediately passed it to a close friend who, in addition to driving 27K miles in roughly 20 years, ordered a standard repaint and removed its custom header letters. And when that friend passed, his obituary ran in the monthly Hudson Essex Terraplane newsletter giving the car’s current owner, who was very concerned about its continued preservation, a chance to amplify his Hudson collection. One of the smallest companies in America’s stagnating auto market, Hudson certainly knew to make the most of its limited resources. The Big Three were enticing customers via constant aesthetic tweaks. And Hudson, with its race-winning design and reliable powertrains, decided to follow suit. That’s why the Italia, despite its risqué appearance, borrowed every bit of its mechanicals from the brand’s entry level Jet. Hardly touched and never disassembled, this coupe’s 202 cubic inch, side-valve 6-cylinder spins strong 8 to 1 compression into a solid 114 horsepower. A little on the weak side? Not really. As it sits, the big bore mill is capable of propelling its lightweight hull to a top speed of 95 MPH and standing start times comparable to Chevrolet’s iconic Corvette. Inspired by Spring’s fascination with the aeronautical industry, Hudson’s cutting edge unit-body chassis brings tangible meaning to the phrase “way ahead of its time“. The hot 202 sends power to an original 3-speed that, with the exception of possibly one other coupe, is the only Italia ever equipped with overdrive. At the corners of the car, 4-wheel drum brakes ensure solid stops and good handling. And all that fully sorted hardware rolls on original Borrani wheels which spin Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around classy chrome center caps. Push the button on this Italia’s trick door handles and slide through its 14-inch roof cuts to arrive in a world that, while weathered, is unique and exceptionally attractive. The car’s original ’anatomical’ leather seats were designed with differing density, premium bolsters and reclining backs to provide both comfort and breathability. From the driver’s seat, a rare Alfa Romeo steering wheel laps a matte-finished dash that’s complete with reliable Jet gauges, a standard Jet radio and a unique, aircraft-style tach that was installed by Frank Spring himself. And at the back of the cockpit, a stainless-lined cargo shelf anchors original luggage straps in front of an internally locked trunk, fifth Borrani wheel and fifth Firestone tire. An uncompromised example of the pure innovation that drove Detroit’s first golden age, Italia 01 is an investment grade concours winner that’s ready for primetime duty on the global show circuit. Call, click or visit for more information!