It’s been almost twenty years since the release of the Disney+ movie Cars. Since then we’ve had two sequels, two cartoon series and a video game. Fans of the original movie will remember Doc Hudson, the wise and grizzled mentor to Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson), but did you know the character was based on a real life car? The Hudson Hornet, a car that dominated NASCAR racing in the early 1950s, served as the inspiration for Doc Hudson.
Produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company from 1951 to 1954, the Hornet was a full-sized automobile known for its innovative step-down design, which lowered the car’s center of gravity by integrating the floorpan below the frame rails. This gave it exceptional handling for its size, a key advantage on the racetrack. Powered by the robust H-145 308-cubic-inch (5 litre) inline-six engine, enhanced with Twin H-Power – a special manifold with twin carburettors, the Hornet could produce up to 160 horsepower—impressive for its era. Its combination of power, durability, and stability made it a standout in stock car racing, a sport then dominated by heavier, less agile competitors.
Hudson’s optional Twin H-Power for 1952 - two single-barrel Carter carburettors mounted on a special intake manifold. Note the stylish oil-bath air cleaners.
In NASCAR’s formative years, the Hudson Hornet became a legend, racking up an astonishing record. Drivers like Herb Thomas, Marshall Teague, and Tim Flock piloted the Hornet to victory after victory. In 1951, its debut year, the Hornet won 12 races. The following year, 1952, it claimed 27 victories out of 34 Grand National races, with Herb Thomas securing the championship. The car’s dominance continued in 1953, winning 22 races and another title with Thomas. This reign, often credited to the Hornet’s superior engineering and the skill of its drivers, earned it the nickname "Fabulous Hudson Hornet." By 1954, however, competition stiffened as other manufacturers caught up, and Hudson’s merger with Nash to form American Motors Corporation (AMC) shifted focus away from racing, marking the end of the Hornet’s NASCAR glory.
The sleek, low design of the 1954 Hudson Wasp Club Sedan
Pixar chose the Hudson Hornet for Doc Hudson’s character in Cars for both historical resonance and character depth. Director John Lasseter, a car enthusiast, wanted to pay homage to automotive history, and the Hornet’s NASCAR legacy made it a fitting choice for a retired racing champion turned small-town sage. The character, voiced by legendary actor Paul Newman (himself a former race-car driver), embodies a blend of grit, wisdom, and faded glory - mirroring the Hornet’s real-world story from dominance to obscurity. According to Pixar’s creative team, the Hornet’s streamlined, rounded styling was ideal for an animated character, with its front grille resembling a stern face - perfect for a no-nonsense mentor like Doc Hudson. The choice reflects Cars’ broader theme of celebrating America’s automotive past, grounding the fictional Radiator Springs in a tangible piece of racing lore.
The actual 1952 Fabulous Hudson Hornet - fully restored - sold at auction in 2018 for US $1,265,000
Today, it’s pretty rare to see a Hudson Hornet, even at a classic car show, which is a shame because for a few short years in the mid 20th century, they dominated American racing like few others have managed. We can thank the Pixar creative team for reviving the legend of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet - may it’s memory live on…
© Disney/Pixar
About the author
Raph Tripp is a movie buff and passionate classic car enthusiast, writer, and founder of Tunnel Ram. If you wish to publish this article in part or in whole, please credit Raph Tripp and tunnelram.net . This is an original Tunnel Ram production ©2025 Tunnel Ram. All images remain the property of the original copyright holders.