Hudson Hornet Hollywood Hardtop
By 1955, Hudson had merged with Nash to form American Motors, and the Hornet shared bodies with Nash models. However, the Hollywood hardtop retained Hudson's legendary 308 cubic inch 'Twin H-Power' inline-six that had dominated NASCAR in the early 1950s. The step-down design was gone, but the Hornet name still meant performance and the Hollywood offered pillarless hardtop styling that was all the rage in 1955.
Finding a 1955 Hollywood with Twin H-Power is essential for value. Verify correct Hudson drivetrain as some were built with Packard V8s. Check for rust in rockers and floor pans. Parts interchange with Nash models for many components but Hudson-specific trim is scarce.
The 1955 Hollywood was built on the Nash-designed body shell, marking Hudson's transition away from its unique step-down design. Only 1,943 Hollywood hardtops were produced, making it one of the rarest Hornets. This would be the final year before Hudson was reduced to a badge-engineered Nash.