The Hudson Italia, a limited-production sports car, was a testament to Hudson’s ambition and innovation. Founded in 1909, Hudson had established itself as a major player in the American automotive industry.
By the 1920s, it was the third-largest carmaker in the country, pioneering numerous features that would become industry standards. However, the company’s fortunes began to decline in the mid-20th century, ultimately leading to its merger with Nash-Kelvinator in 1954.
Before its demise, Hudson introduced the Italia, a unique and stylish sports car. Inspired by Chrysler’s Ghia specials, the Italia was based on the compact Hudson Jet, a model that had struggled to gain traction in the marketplace.
Recognizing the potential for a sportier and more upscale version, Hudson’s chief designer, Frank Spring, commissioned Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Touring to transform the Jet into the Italia. Touring’s design was radical and innovative. The Italia featured an aluminum body over a thin steel tube framework, resulting in a lower and more streamlined silhouette compared to the Jet.
Other distinctive features included V-shaped scoops on the front fenders, stacked taillights mounted on chrome tubes emerging from scalloped cut-outs in the rear fenders, and a luxurious interior with contoured bucket seats, two-tone leather upholstery, and soft carpets.
Impressed by the prototype, Hudson ordered a limited production run of 50 units. The Italia was a rare and desirable car, and its legacy lives on today as a symbol of Hudson’s creativity and ambiti*Daniel Craig’s Triumph Motorcycles: A Bond for Charity
The iconic Triumph Tiger 900 Bond Edition, a limited-edition motorcycle inspired by the James Bond franchise, is a testament to both style and performance. Featuring a distinctive black livery adorned with gold “007” graphics, the bike boasts a powerful 888cc engine, a smooth six-speed gearbox, and premium features like heated seats and ride-by-wire technology.
To further enhance its appeal, the Tiger 900 Bond Edition comes with an extra set of off-road tires, making it suitable for various riding conditions. In a gesture of philanthropy, Daniel Craig, the actor who portrayed James Bond in recent films, has donated his personal low-serial number examples of the Scrambler 1200 and Tiger 900 Bond Editions to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).
The RNLI, a UK-based sea lifesaving charity, holds a special place in Craig’s heart due to his childhood connection with the organization. The two Triumph motorcycles, each signed by Craig, will be auctioned off by Bonhams in October. With estimated values of $13,000 to $26,000 each, these rare collectibles are expected to attract significant interest from both motorcycle enthusiasts and James Bond fans.
In addition to the motorcycles, the winning bidders will have the opportunity to participate in a unique riding experience at the Triumph Adventure Experience in Wales. Meanwhile, another iconic vehicle from the past, the Hudson Italia, has resurfaced in California. This rare sports car, known for its elegant design and underpowered engine, was produced in limited numbers in the mid-20th century.
The Italia’s unique features, such as its distinctive grille and curvaceous bodywork, made it stand out from the crowd. However, despite its stylish appearance, the Italia struggled to compete with more powerful and affordable sports cars of the era. Despite its commercial shortcomings, the Italia has gained a cult following over the years.
Its rarity, coupled with its timeless design, has made it a highly sought-after collectible. The recent auction success of a similar Italia model further highlights its value. The newly discovered Italia, while in need of restoration, presents a unique opportunity for a collector to acquire a piece of automotive history.
