m-sat 9AM - 5PM
HUDSON
This is where the collection started. Jeff's dad, Leon Wandler, was an avid collector of Hudson vehicles and signage.
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After Leon passed in 2005, Jeff slowly continued to restore the remaining Hudsons in his dad's collection. The last one that is yet to be displayed is a 1935 Essex Terraplane. Currently still in the restoration process shown here.
To learn about the history of the museum and its collection check out the tv on the back wall
Hudson
The Hudson Motor Car Company operated out of Detroit from 1909 to 1954 where it was then merged with Nash to form American Motors Company (AMC). The Hudson name was still used on vehicles through 1957 where it was then discontinued.
In their day Hudsons were considered some of the best value cars you could buy. Giving you the best combination of ride quality, power, and luxury for the price.
Hudson's really started capturing the headlines as their unibody "step down" design made their vehicles rigid and have a low center of gravity. This made them ride smooth, handle well, and perfect for racing. Mostly thanks to the Twin - H carborated Hornet. Often refferred to as "The Fabulous Hudson Hornet," Hudsons dominated the stock car racing scene in the early 50s.
Unfortunately, their breakthrough unibody design soon turned into a roadblock. Most vehicles have a body that bolts down onto the suspension frame. This allows manufacturers to make slight body changes year to year. Whereas Hudson was locked into their design. If they wanted to make a slight refresh for a new model year, they'd have to design almost an entirely new vehicle.
Many consider their downfall was due to the lack of a V8 engine as V8's became popular and were viewed as the superior engine. Although the last version of the Hudson Hornet did have a V8 option.
Commodore Eight
1947
$1,972 brand new. Sedan version of the popular Commodore. Equipped with the stright 8 engine.
The rear doors are called "Suicide" doors. If you opened one while the car was in motion the wind would rip it open.
Coupe
1929
Leon restoring the '29 Coupe
Commadore
1949 - Original
6 cylinder hardtop version of the convertible nearby. Retail price of $2,374.
Betty bought for Leon in 2000 it is all original.
Pickup Truck
1947
Pickup trucks were once only used on the farm or for deliveries. As trucks became popular for the average family, Hudson rushed a truck to market by using their car body and attaching a utility box. This made it the first luxury, daily driver pickup truck.
Commodore Convertible
1949
$3,138 when released. $40,000 in today's prices. Stright 8 cylinder engine producing 28.8 HP.
Picked up from Denver, CO needing extensive work.
Leon slowly restored the vehicle himself.
The fabulous Hudson Hornet
1951
Only produced from 1951-1957
With their "Step Down" design that made the floor of the vehicle lower to the ground and thus the center of gravity, the Hornet was one of the best handling vehicles of its time. Which also made it suited for racing. Came in 2 doors, 4 door, and convertible options. All powered by Hudson's straight six H-145 engine. And in '52 they introduced the famous "Twin H-Power" carburetor producing 145 hp. This allowed Hudson to dominate the stock car racing scene in the early 50's
You might also recognize the Hornet as "Doc Hudson" in the Cars movies.
Vertical Neon
1940's
These signs came is multple sizes and were mounted outside of dealerships.
Pendant Neon
Early 50's
Found in a barn in Lander, WY. Came from the Rawlins Hudson Dealership, pictured below.
Hornet Banner
Early 50's
Promotional banner for dealerships and events. Ultra rare.
Purchased from a friend for around $1,200.
Hudson Bullnose
40s & 50s
Auctions for $5,400. Found in a Barn in Lander, WY.
Hudson Neon
1940's
Mounted outside of dealerships. Pick up at a swap meet. Auctions on average for $5,400.
Porcelain Signs
1940's
Many of these signs will auction for anywhere between $1,000 to $9,000 depending on condition. Most came from swap meets.