MotorCities National Heritage Area
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Posted 02.23.2017

On Feb. 24, 1909, the Hudson Motor Car Co. is formed by automotive pioneers Roy D. Chapin and Howard E. Coffin.

Hudson made some of the more iconic American cars through 1954 such as the Hudson Hornet and the Hudson Eight Coupe.

Hudson eventually merged with Nash-Kelvinator to form American Motors Corp., with Chapin staying on as executive along with A.E. Barit who served as Hudson's president and CEO from 1936-1954.

The Hudson brand was eliminated completely after 1957.

file 20170306211229 Hudson Motor Cars Corp FormedA 1949 Hudson

file 20170306211247 Hudson Motor Cars Corp Formed.jpgOne of the last remaining Hudson dealerships in the state was located in Ypsilanti, MI. The building has been preserved and renovated into the Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, one of the state's premier auto history attractions.file 20170306211402 Hudson Motor Cars Corp FormedHeirs to the Hudson Motor Car Co., Bob Barit (left), grandson of A.E. Barrit; and Bill Chapin, grandson of Hudson Co-Founder Roy D. Chapin.