Hudson · 1951–1956

Hudson Wasp

The Hudson Wasp is an automobile built and marketed by the Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, from 1952 through the 1956 model years. After Hudson merged with Nash Motors, the Wasp was then built by American Motors Corporation (AMC) in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and marketed under its Hudson marque for model years 1955 and 1956. Two distinct generations of the Hudson Wasp can be identified: from 1952 to 1954, when it used Hudson's existing short-wheelbase platform, and in 1955 and 1956, when it was built on the full-sized Nash platform. The two generations differed in their platform designs, engine options, and body styles. The second generation also received unique styling for each of its two model years.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

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First generation

=== 1952 === The Wasp (Series 58) was introduced by Hudson for the 1952 model year as an upgraded version of the Hudson Pacemaker, replacing the Hudson Super Custom models from 1951. The Wasp was available as a two- and four-door sedan, a convertible, and a two-door hardtop, designated the Hollywood. The new models were shorter than the Hudson Hornet, and positioned as a "lower-priced running mate" to follow the sales success of the 1951 Hornet. The Wasp featured the unitized, "Monobilt" step-down chassis design with a 119-inch (3,023 mm) wheelbase and overall 202.5 inches (5,144 mm) length. The structure used a perimeter frame, providing a rigid structure, low center of gravity, and side-impact protection for passengers, including a box-section steel girder outside the rear wheels. The Wasp's wheelbase was same as the lower-priced Pacemaker, 5 inches (127 mm) shorter than the Hornet, but the exterior trim and interior appointments like on the top-level Hornet. Standard features for 1952 included the model name on the front fenders, which began the full-length stainless steel body side molding, illuminated medallion in the front grille, rear bumper guard for the license plate and concealed light, a carpeted trunk with an upright-mounted spare tire, a 30-hour mechanical clock on the dashboard, illuminated ignition switch keyway, and the interior featuring tan cord upholstery with red and brown wide and narrow stripes as well as hand grips, ash tray, robe cord, and a large magazine pocket for rear seat passengers. The Wasp's engine was the 262 cu in (4.3 L) L-head I6 rated at 127 hp (95 kW; 129 PS) that was also used in the Hudson Commodore. Manual transmission was standard with overdrive optional, or the Hydramatic transmission from General Motors. 1953. Hudson's large-c

Second generation

=== 1955 === For 1955, the Wasp became a product of the newly formed American Motors Corporation (AMC). Following the end of 1954 model year production, Hudson's Detroit manufacturing facility was closed, and assembly of Hudson models was shifted to Nash's factory in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The new Hudsons by AMC were introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in February 1955. The cars were now based on the unitized "senior" Nash platforms, but featured exclusive Hudson styling. However, they no longer had the Hudson's characteristic "step-down" design and wide stance. Two Hudson models were produced for 1955. The larger Hornet, built on the 1955 Nash Ambassador platform, with the Hornet 308 cu in (5.0 L) I6 engine, or an optional smaller-displacement 320 cu in (5.2 L) version of Packard's V8. The lower-line Wasp model shared the 114.3 in (2,903 mm) wheelbase of the Nash Statesman platform and was available as a four-door sedan or a two-door "Hollywood" hardtop. Included was Hudson's 202 cu in (3.3 L) I6 engine, previously used in the Jet compact sedan, as well as the limited-production Hudson Italia. This engine was available with "H-Power" dual-carburetors producing 120 hp (89 kW; 122 PS). The Wasp was available in standard, Super Wasp, and Custom versions. At mid-year, the Wasp platform was used for the "Hornet Special" model featuring Hornet trim and interiors as well as AMC's new 250 cu in (4.1 L) 190 hp (142 kW; 193 PS) V8 engine. The 1955 Hudsons used Nash's long-travel coil-spring suspension, an integrated and advanced heating and ventilation system, and were available with optional air conditioning and reclining seats. However, Hudson's dual braking system, which included a mechanical backup in case of a hydraulic failure, was continued. The Nash-based Hudsons were focus

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Hudson Wasp
Manufacturer: Hudson Motor Car Company , American Motors Corporation
Production: 1951–1956
Model years: 1952–1956
Assembly: United States , Australia
Predecessor: Hudson Super Custom Six
Class: Full-size car
Layout: FR layout

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q729491CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hudson_WaspCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1352913880 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1954_Hudson_Super_Wasp.jpgCC BY 2.0 · Photo: D. Miller · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.