1953→1954 Hudson Italia

In 1953 Hudson drew up a deal with Carrozzeria Touring to produce the Italia on their Jet chassis. It was described as being “styled like no other car that has preceded it” and was basically a show-car made for public consumption.

Hudson said the car was safe “due to its extremely low center of gravity, its ‘Monobilt’ body-and-frame, and its cornering and braking ability.”

Around 25 Italias were produced until Hudson’s merger with Nash and the project was canceled.

I

n Detail

submitted by	admin
type	Series Production Car
production years	1953 – 1954
built at	Milan, Italy
body stylist	Touring
coachbuilder	Touring
production	25
engine	Inline-6
position	Front, Longitudinal
fuel feed	2 Carburetors
displacement	3310 cc / 202 in³
power	85.0 kw / 114 bhp
specific output	34.44 bhp per litre
front brakes	Drums
rear brakes	Drums
f suspension	Independent
r suspension	Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs
transmission	3-Speed Manual

Auction Sales History

1955 Hudson Italia IT10024 – sold for $154,000 Sequestered for More than 40 Years. The 24th of Just 26 Hudson Italias Built. Beautifully Preserved Coachwork and Interior. Longtime California Car with Fascinating History. A Virtually Unknown, Significant Garage Find. 202 CID Inline 6-Cylinder Engine (Not Included) Three-Speed Manual Gearbox (Not Included) Twin Carter Carburetors (Not Incl
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company

1953 Hudson Italia IT10003 – sold for $330,000 One of Just 25 Originally Produced. Distinctive Frank Spring Design with Exotic Touring Superleggera Coachwork. Fascinating and Highly Advanced “Dream Car” Styling. Concours-Quality, Correct, and Highly Attractive Restoration Just Over 26,000 Original Miles.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

1954 Hudson Italia Coupe IT10011 – sold for $265,000 The car on offer today is one of 21 Italias believed to have survived. Restored about four years ago, this coupe has the correct red and white leather and vinyl interior and is finished in Cigarette Cream, the color in which most Italias were painted. The brightwork and trim is excellent, and the car rides on the correct chrome wire wheels. It is accompanied by a comprehensive file of documents and is said to run and drive very well.
Auction Source: Monterey 2012 by RM Auctions

1954 Hudson Italia Coupe – sold for $275,000

This striking Italia, chassis number IT10011, is one of just 21 examples known to remain in existence. While it is believed by some authorities that the flamboyant Las Vegas-based entertainer Liberace may have once owned this very car, no corroborative evidence has currently been found. Today, the Italia displays a comprehensive cosmetic restoration, including a fresh exterior finish in the original and correct cream-yellow color, new brightwork and a new and correct red and tan interior, as well as a fully detailed dash panel and engine bay. The Italia is also offered complete with a large file of documentation and the current owner reports that it runs and drives exactly as it should.

Auction Source: 2009 Automobiles of Amelia Island RM Auction