Hudson Wasp

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 in two- and four-door sedan, convertible, and a 2-door hardtop designated the Hollywood. The new models were promoted as a "lower-priced running mate" to the Hudson Hornet. The Wasp was built on Hudson's shorter wheelbase, using the company's unitized, "Monobilt" step-down chassis design with an overall length of . Hudson's unitized 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. For the 1953 model year, Hudson focused on introducing its new compact-sized car, the Jet that was unveiled in December 1952. The standard engine on the Super Wasp was the I6 producing of torque. Optional was an aluminum cylinder head with a 7.5-to-1 compression ratio rated at . A Twin H-Power version developing was also available. Of the 150 cars that started the race, only 85 finished all eight stages and several drivers died in crashes. The 1954 event was the last road race of its kind, one of the motorsport's most challenging and dangerous. A total of 17,792 Wasps were produced in 1954. == 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. All Hudsons would be based on the unitized senior Nash platforms, but would have exclusive Hudson styling. Two models were produced for 1955. The larger platform Hornet was built on the 1955 Nash Ambassador platform and offered with the Hornet I6 engine, as well as a smaller displacement version of Packard's v8. Secondly, the lower line Wasp model was built on the Nash Statesman platform and included Hudson's I6 engine previously used in the Hudson Jet compact sedan- and the very limited production Hudson Italia. That was available with twin H-Power giving it as high as when so equipped. The 1955 Hudsons used Nash's long travel coil spring suspension, integrated and advanced Heating and ventilation system, and were offered with air conditioning and reclining seats. Although comfortable, the Nash-based Hudsons were no longer competitive on the race tracks they dominated from 1952 through 1954. Hudson Wasp sales dropped to 7,191 units for the year as traditional Hudson buyers left the marque, viewing the cars as lesser in comparison to the Hudsons of the past. 1956 For the 1956 model year, AMC executives decided to give the Wasp and Hornet more character to boost sales. Design for the vehicles was given to Richard Arbib. He provided Hudson with a distinctive look, which he called "V-Line Styling". Taking the traditional Hudson triangle, Arbib applied its "V" form in every conceivable manner across the car's interior and exterior. Arbib's design for the front end combined a tightly woven egg-crate grille (a nod to the 1931 Hudson Greater Eight) bisected by a prominent "V" (a nod to the 1954 Hudson Italia). Combined with tri-tone paint combinations, Hudson's new look was unique. However, the plan to build a better Hudson identity was unsuccessful, even with the car's flashy design. It did not excite buyers, and production ended after one year. The Wasp was available only as a four-door sedan, and its sales fell to 2,519 units in its final year of production. == End of production ==

In 1957, AMC stripped Hudson of eleven of its fifteen models, including the Wasp. ==Australian assembly==

The Wasp was assembled in Australia from complete knock down (CKD) kits. == References ==