Description
The Hudson Super Six 491 Brougham was a car that perfectly embodied the company’s legacy of combining power, refinement, and craftsmanship into a single elegant package. Produced in the late 1940s as part of Hudson’s postwar revival, it carried forward the proud “Super Six” name—one that had defined Hudson’s engineering reputation since 1916—and reinterpreted it for a new generation. The 491 Brougham represented a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation: the strength and smoothness of Hudson’s straight-six engine joined to the sleek modernity of the company’s celebrated “Step-Down” design. In a world eager for progress after the Second World War, the Super Six Brougham offered a sense of continuity and quiet sophistication.
By 1948, Hudson had reimagined itself as a forward-thinking manufacturer willing to take bold risks in design and construction. The “Step-Down” principle—introduced that same year—was one of the most important structural innovations in American automotive history. Instead of the passenger floor sitting above the frame rails as in conventional cars, Hudson recessed it between them, effectively lowering the centre of gravity and allowing passengers to “step down” into the car. This not only gave the Brougham a distinctive low-slung stance but also made it safer, stronger, and more stable than its contemporaries. It was an innovation that set Hudson apart, and the Super Six 491 Brougham was one of the most elegant interpretations of this new philosophy.
Under the hood lay Hudson’s robust 262-cubic-inch inline six-cylinder engine, a development of the company’s legendary prewar Super Six. Producing 121 horsepower, it was a paragon of smoothness and torque—a powerplant that reflected Hudson’s mastery of balance and precision. The engine was long-stroke and under-stressed, designed for durability as much as performance, and it delivered its power with a silky, almost effortless grace. The six-cylinder’s reputation for reliability had been earned over decades of use in both passenger cars and endurance events, and in the 491 Brougham it found its ideal home. Coupled with Hudson’s three-speed manual gearbox—often fitted with optional electric overdrive—it provided flexible, quiet performance that felt refined and confident at any speed.
The 491 Brougham shared the advanced chassis and suspension of the other Step-Down Hudsons. Independent front suspension with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers gave the car a controlled, supple ride, while semi-elliptic rear springs provided strength and stability. The low centre of gravity produced by the Step-Down structure endowed the Hudson with superb handling characteristics—it cornered flatly and stayed composed even on rough roads. Hydraulic brakes provided dependable stopping power, and steering precision was unusually high for a car of its size and class. Period testers often commented that Hudson’s road manners were more akin to those of European touring cars than of typical American sedans.
In appearance, the Hudson Super Six 491 Brougham combined modern aerodynamics with a sense of dignified proportion. The low, sweeping lines made it stand out immediately from the taller, boxier cars of its rivals. The long hood flowed seamlessly into the windshield, while the roofline curved gently toward a neatly tapered rear deck. The fenders were fully integrated into the body, creating an unbroken surface that enhanced both aerodynamics and elegance. At the front, a broad chrome grille with horizontal bars gave the car a sense of width and presence, while the Hudson emblem stood proudly at its centre—a symbol of precision and heritage. Chrome trim traced the window lines and door sills, emphasizing the Brougham’s graceful profile. The design was both confident and restrained, reflecting Hudson’s belief that beauty should come from proportion, not decoration.
The “Brougham” designation denoted the most refined and luxurious trim level available. The interior of the Super Six 491 Brougham was richly appointed, its materials and craftsmanship rivaling those of cars costing far more. Seats were upholstered in deep wool broadcloth or optional leather, with thick padding that ensured long-distance comfort. The dashboard, elegantly curved and finished in body-coloured lacquer or simulated woodgrain, featured large, round instruments encased in chrome bezels. The steering wheel was large and finely detailed, while the controls were logically arranged for ease of use. Optional amenities included a push-button radio, electric clock, heater, and overdrive control. The cabin was quiet and spacious, its low floor and wide stance creating a feeling of stability and enclosure. Hudson’s attention to detail extended to every aspect of fit and finish—the doors closed with a solid, reassuring weight, and the car’s overall refinement left an impression of craftsmanship rather than mass production.
Driving the Super Six 491 Brougham was an experience that highlighted Hudson’s engineering priorities: balance, precision, and serenity. The six-cylinder engine provided strong torque from low speeds, making gear changes almost unnecessary in city driving. On open highways, the car cruised effortlessly, its long gearing and sound insulation creating an atmosphere of calm isolation. The suspension absorbed imperfections with ease, while the low-slung chassis kept the car flat and composed through curves. The sense of security and control was unmatched among its peers; the Hudson felt planted, predictable, and capable of sustained high-speed travel in complete comfort. For many drivers, this blend of smoothness and agility made the Super Six one of the finest-handling American cars of its generation.
The Super Six 491 Brougham appealed to buyers who appreciated quality over extravagance—professionals, businessmen, and families who valued engineering integrity and refined design. It was positioned as the accessible luxury in Hudson’s lineup, sitting below the eight-cylinder Commodore but sharing much of its craftsmanship and innovation. In an era increasingly defined by chrome and flamboyant styling, the Hudson stood apart as a car of substance, its appeal rooted in the honesty of its engineering. Advertisements of the period proudly declared it “America’s Safest Car” and “America’s Best Road Car”—claims that were not mere slogans but reflections of its performance and structural sophistication.
The 491 Brougham also laid the groundwork for Hudson’s later triumphs. The same chassis and six-cylinder engine that made it such a capable road car would soon form the basis of the Hudson Hornet, which would dominate stock-car racing in the early 1950s. In this sense, the Super Six Brougham represents the bridge between Hudson’s early mastery of smooth, durable engines and its later achievements in high-performance motoring.
Today, the Hudson Super Six 491 Brougham is recognized as one of the most technically important and aesthetically refined American cars of its time. Collectors admire it for its graceful lines, advanced structure, and superb driving characteristics. Restored examples reveal the depth of Hudson’s engineering—its solidity, silence, and balance still feel remarkable more than seventy years later. To drive one is to experience a turning point in American automotive history, when intelligence and innovation briefly took precedence over excess.
The Hudson Super Six 491 Brougham remains a testament to a company that believed excellence came not from extravagance but from understanding how a car should feel, drive, and endure. It was a car that looked ahead while honouring its lineage—modern yet timeless, understated yet commanding. In every sense, it embodied Hudson’s golden ideal: performance through precision, and beauty through restraint.