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Hudson Motor Car Company began the manufacture of automobiles in Detroit in 1909 and merged with Nash in 1954 to form American Motors. Prior to the merger, Hudson, like most other car companies, set out to build a sports car to bring attention to the brand and to bring customers to the show room.
Hudson created the Italia, a car built on the 1954 Hudson Jet cassis, with a hand formed aluminum body built by Carrozzeria Touring in Italy. Only 26 cars were produced. All cars were Italian cream in color with red and cream interior. They were equipped with Borrani wheels. The cost to the dealer for the Italia was $4,800.
This car owned by Souers Italia Number 22 LLC., a company owned by members of the Souers family. The car is the first Italia owned by the Souers family. This car was originally purchased in California by an individual who worked as a scientist in the NASA program. The car fell into disrepair and changed hands several times during the 1990’s. The car underwent a complete professional restoration between the years 2000 and 2003. Over 20 items had to be remade to the original specifications by borrowing and copying pieces from other Italia owners.The car was sold in 2011 after Italia #20 was purchased.
AWARDS
The car has won its’ AACA Junior and Senior during 2003. The car received the best of class award at Meadow Brook in 2003, Design Most Distinctive at the Glenmoor Gathering in 2003, the Volunteer Award at the Detroit Concorso D’Italiano in 2003 and many other first place finishes in the shows it was at in 2003.
During 2004 the Italia received Best American Performance Car thru 1955 and the Chairman’s Choice at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance, Best in Class at the Indianapolis Concours d’Elegance, the Award of Excellence at Cranbrook, and First Grand National at the AACA Grand National Meet. The Italia also received the AACA National Award for Most Distinguished Discontinued Car at the Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. The highlight of the year was participating in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
In 2005 it was selected Best Italian Design at the 1st Kruse Concours and in 2006 it was one of the featured marques, Italian Beauties, and received best Italian, non Italian Manufacturer at the Ault Park Ohio Concours. It also received its’ AACA Senior Grand National status in Dover Delaware.
The Italia was awarded the Outstanding Closed Car at the Krasl Art Concours, Elmendorf Cup at the Keeneland Concours d’Elegance and AACA Repeat Senior Grand National in 2007.
It is featured in the book “Cars of the Fantastic Fifties” by Dan Lyons, as well as being published in Cars and Parts, Hemmings Classic Cars and many others.
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