Riviera. Holiday. Coupe de Ville. Catalina. Sportsman. Lancer. Country Club. Those were the designations given to hardtop body styles of various manufacturers starting with Buick, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac in 1949. For Hudson, it christened its hardtop coupe “Hollywood.” One of those stylish vehicles, a restored 1956 Hudson Hornet Hollywood, is available on AutoHunter, the online auction platform powered by ClassicCars.com. One of 1,053 produced for the 1956 model year, this Hudson is powered by a Packard 352cid V8 backed by a two-speed automatic transmission. Features include Continental kit, power steering, power brakes, reclining front seats, and rear center armrest. Finished in two-tone green over green cloth and leather interior, this Hudson comes from the selling dealer with a reprinted owner’s manual, shop manual, and clear title.
Starting in 1955, after Nash and Hudson merged to form American Motors, Hudsons were based on Nash bodies. For 1956, the Hudson featured a heavy facelift with curious styling that appeared to be OCD with angles (“V-form” styling, as it was called), possibly inspired by the brand’s logo. The similar 1957 featured even more angular flourishes, plus an argument could be made that the 1956-57 was the only car to ever feature fins on the front fenders.
When restored, this 1956 Hudson Hornet Hollywood was refinished in Bermuda Green and Polo Green. Features include longitudinal trim with gold accents, gold accented emblems, roof-mounted antenna, and Continental kit.
A set of green 15-inch wheels with wheel covers is wrapped in older 6.70-15 Firestone whitewall bias-ply tires.
The reclining front split-bench seat and rear seat are upholstered in Forsyth Dark Green cloth and Light Green leather (code 683). Features include power steering, column-mounted automatic transmission, and AM radio.
The instrument panel includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the fuel level and coolant temperature. The nonfunctional odometer reads 59,886 miles.
Power is provided by a Packard 352cid V8 with two-barrel and backed by Packard’s Ultramatic Drive two-speed automatic transmission. Service in June 2023 included a tune-up, an oil change, and the installation of an electric fuel pump.
This 1956 Hudson was factory-equipped with an independent front suspension and a solid rear-drive axle. Braking is provided by power four-wheel drums. A single exhaust outlet exits at the rear.
Bidding for this 1956 Hudson Hornet Hollywood two-door hardtop closes on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 1:45 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
