Hudson Jet
The over-engineered compact that inadvertently grounded the Hudson Motor Car Company.
- Power
- 104 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 15.2 s
- Top speed
- 103 mph
- Est. value
- $11k–$27k
About the Hudson Jet
The Hudson Jet was a desperate attempt to enter the emerging compact car market, developed at a cost of $16 million that the company could ill afford. While it lacked the iconic 'Step-Down' styling of its larger siblings, it retained Hudson's signature over-engineered unibody construction, making it exceptionally rigid and safe for its era. The 'Luxury Liner' marketing emphasized its surprisingly premium interior and standard features like a heater and defroster, which were often costly options on rivals. Despite being praised by contemporary testers for its pep and nimble handling, its boxy, upright styling failed to capture the public's imagination, and the resulting financial losses directly led to Hudson's merger with Nash to form AMC.
Hudson Jet specs
The Hudson Jet produces 104 bhp (78 kW) and 214 Nm (158 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 15.2 seconds and has a top speed of 103 mph (165 km/h).
| Make | Hudson |
|---|---|
| Model | Jet |
| Trim | Luxury Liner |
| Years | 1953–1954 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | United States |
| Production | About 35,367 built |
| Original price | About $1,900 when new |
| Engine | 3.3-litre L-head inline-six |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,310 cc (3.3 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 104 bhp (78 kW) at 4,000 rpm |
| Torque | 214 Nm (158 lb-ft) |
| 0–60 mph | 15.2 s |
| Top speed | 103 mph (165 km/h) |
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,225 kg (2,701 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 85 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Hudson Jet worth?
A typical Hudson Jet is estimated to be worth $11,000 – $27,000 (about £8,100 – £20,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,900.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Hudson Jet rarity in CarSpot
The Hudson Jet is an Uncommon card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 40 out of 100. Hot hatches and premium sporty cars. An Uncommon card is worth 20 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Hudson Jet fun facts
- The Jet's 202 cubic-inch engine was essentially a Hudson Hornet straight-eight with two cylinders removed to save on development costs.
- Hudson president A.E. Barit personally insisted on a high roofline so passengers could wear hats, resulting in the car's awkward, boxy proportions.
- To prove its efficiency, Hudson marketed the 'Teacup Test,' claiming the Jet could travel over a mile on just a single teacup of petrol.