A brand new book has been written and published by SAH member #4228, Mark L. James. Titled The 1954 Hudson Italia, it is indeed just about that single year car of which only 25 were ever produced. The story it tells of Hudson creating a sports car designed by Frank Spring in hopes of rekindling confidence among buyers and its dwindling dealer network put me in mind of another company that a decade later would attempt a similar tactic hoping to save itself: Studebaker and the Raymond Loewy designed Avanti.
Mark’s book is nicely illustrated, hardbound, and landscape-format befitting the jewel of a car it tells of. But, a word to the wise is in order. His BarronPublishing.com website indicates the book has a limited print run and that’s not a marketing ploy or an exaggeration as Mark confided in me the actual number of books he had printed. So if you’ve any interest in obtaining a copy for yourself—it retails for $39.95—don’t delay. (hvh)