Image of 1940 Hudson Super Series 41, sourced from commons.wikimedia.org , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1940 Hudson Super Series 41 is a testament to American automotive engineering and design at the dawn of a new era. Born from the Hudson Motor Car Company, this vehicle emerged as a beacon of innovation during a time when the world stood on the precipice of change. As the clouds of war gathered over Europe, the Super Series 41 rolled off the assembly line with a promise of luxury and performance. A notable moment in its history was its role as a pace car at the Indianapolis 500, cementing its place in automotive lore.

Design and Innovation

The 1940 Hudson Super Series 41 boasted an exterior that was both bold and elegant, with smooth lines that suggested motion even when at rest. The iconic "step-down" design offered a lower center of gravity that was not only visually striking but also contributed to improved handling. Inside, passengers were treated to an opulent experience with plush seating and high-quality materials such as wood and chrome accents adorning the dashboard and interior trim. Technologically, it featured innovations like an optional Drive-Master transmission that allowed drivers to switch between manual and automatic shifting. Popular color options included rich hues like Commodore Blue and Brougham Green, with the latter often catching the eye of discerning buyers. The most iconic body style was arguably the coupe, with its sleek profile and intimate cabin space.

Historical Significance

The Super Series 41 didn't just turn heads; it turned the tide in automotive design. Its low-slung silhouette inspired future generations of cars to adopt lower profiles for better aerodynamics and stability. This Hudson model stood out from its contemporaries with features like an optional vacuum-operated automatic clutch, a precursor to fully automatic transmissions that would dominate the industry in years to come.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its hood, the Super Series 41 housed a robust inline-8 engine that propelled it to impressive speeds for its time. While exact figures vary, top speed was reported to be around 90 mph, with acceleration from 0-60 mph taking approximately 16 seconds—a commendable feat for a luxury car of its size during that period. On the road, it handled with grace and poise, absorbing bumps with ease thanks to its innovative "True Center" steering and "Triple Safe" brakes ensuring reliable stopping power.

Ownership Experience

The Hudson Super Series 41 found its place as a versatile vehicle suitable for daily driving or as an elegant show car. Its robust construction meant reliability was one of its strong suits, though some components could be challenging to source today due to rarity. Maintenance generally requires a dedicated enthusiast or specialist familiar with pre-war vehicles.

Fun Facts

This classic has graced both small screens and silver screens alike, making appearances in period films that needed authentic touches of pre-war Americana. Criticisms were few but included remarks about fuel consumption—a common trait among vehicles of its size during that era.

Collector's Information

Today, the 1940 Hudson Super Series 41 is a cherished collector's item with values ranging significantly based on condition and originality. Production numbers were limited due to the onset of World War II, making surviving examples relatively rare. Values can range from $20,000 for models needing restoration to over $100,000 for pristine examples—trends suggest these classics are appreciating assets among collectors who value their unique blend of style and historical significance.

Conclusion

The 1940 Hudson Super Series 41 remains an emblematic figure in automotive history—an embodiment of luxury, innovation, and timeless design. It stands as a proud reminder of what American ingenuity could achieve during an era filled with both uncertainty and excitement about the future.

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Upper Motor Mount. 5/8" I.D., 2-5/8" O.D. Each-MM 7-BUpper Motor Mount. 5/8" I.D., 2-5/8" O.D. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Lower Motor Mount. 5/8" I.D., 1-5/8" O.D. Each-MM 7-CLower Motor Mount. 5/8" I.D., 1-5/8" O.D. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Cowl Vent Seal. 4-1/2" wide X 18-1/2" long. Each-RP 100-YCowl Vent Seal. 4-1/2" wide X 18-1/2" long. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Rear Leaf Spring Center Mounting Insulator-RP 23-GRear Leaf Spring Center Mounting Insulator. For all 1-3/4" wide leaf springs. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Clutch and Brake Seals. Seals fit on a round shaft-RP 31-NClutch and Brake Seals. Seals fit on a round shaft. Made of soft rubber. 2-7/16" O.D., 7/16" I.D. Pair

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Drive Master Electric Shift Vacuum Diaphragm-RP 32-ADrive Master Electric Shift Vacuum Diaphragm. For all models with drive master system for standard transmission. Pair

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Clutch Linkage Cushion. 1/4" top thickness, 1-1/2" O.D-SB 33-AClutch Linkage Cushion. 1/4" top thickness, 1-1/2" O.D. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Vertical Division Seal-VS 6-AVertical Division Seal. 26" Piece, enough for two front vents. Each

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Vertical seal for vent window. Dense rubber. Universal part-VS 6-A/FTVertical seal for vent window. Dense rubber. Universal part. Per foot.

1940 Hudson Super Series 41 Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles-WR 9Front Vent Window Seals, for Convertibles. 25-1/4" long each. Pair R&L