Hudson

Responsible for the design of the first Hudson and for its production started in 1909 was Howard Earle Coffin who also worked as the chief engineer for Oldsmobile. The actual name honored Joseph L. Hudson who financed the enterprise.

Hudson logo.

There hardly was any contest among the two name candidates as a car named Coffin might have had a limited clientele. After funding the effort Joseph Hudson wasn't involved much in the operations of the company which was largely run by Coffin and a bunch of ex-Oldsmobile men: Roy Chapin, George Dunham and Roscoe B. Jackson.

Hudson and Nash were merged into the American Motors in 1954 and the last production year for Hudson was 1957.

(source: Automedia)

Hudson Motor Car Company logo

The first Hudsons had a triangle emblem on the radiators symbolizing "performance, service and value". At first the emblem was made of brass but was changed to a white badge from 1911 until the late 1920's. The Hudson owner club's news letter still carries the name White Triangle News. Later two ship and tower symbols were symmetrically added to the triangle. The triangle was prevalent in many forms in badges and styling details during the life of the marque.