Icon 4×4 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe

Classic cars from the 1940s are doing well if they’re standing the test of time today but some need a little extra help to return to their former glories with workshops like Icon 4×4 and this, frankly stunning, 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe. They will be debuting this dapper beauty at Monterey Car Week and it is a heady combination of supercharged LS9 power meets alligator upholstery and for fans of vintage cars, this will be a most welcome sight indeed.

The Icon 4×4 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe is a truly spectacular restoration project and Jonathan Ward, the man behind Icon 4×4, is notorious for pushing the envelope of automotive design and craftsmanship and this breathtaking creation is certainly no exception. This latest “Derelict” build from Ward follows the company ethos of combining a classic body in as-found condition with cutting-edge mechanical components and electronics. And it’s stunning.

Old Meets New

Designed and built for a returning customer of Icon 4×4, this 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe is sure to be the cornerstone of their classic car collection and the new owner has a ranch in Nashville and loves the local culture there. As such, it was the idea to build a car with some rockabilly spirit: a vehicle that was distinct, yet fit the vibe of Nashville and, as you can see, it is mission well and truly accomplished. They jointly decided a 1949-1951 Hudson coupe would be just the right choice and we’re thinking they definitely made the right decision here at Coolector HQ.

The Icon 4×4 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe taps into Ward’s recent deep-dive hobby of traditional leather-craft. As a serial craftsman, he has explored many arts, and leather-craft really speaks to him as a designer so he infused that into this project, which boasts a highly unique wild-caught alligator and calf leather interior, which Ward designed and dyed all by hand. This barn-found Hudson was found in North Carolina and it was re-imagined as a highly capable, modern daily-driver with a bit of rockabilly attitude. The foundation is custom-engineered Art Morrison subframe assemblies designed to integrate to the Hudson “Monobuilt” semi-unibody construction.

It has a chassis was set up with fully adjustable 4-wheel independent suspension with Brembo brakes. GM LS9 power is delivered through the 4L85-E automatic transmission into the Art Morrison IRS with Dana 60 differential. Interior textiles combine hand-dyed wild alligator with Moore & Giles leather. There are plenty of other interior touches that impress which include German wool carpeting, removable floormats, a wool headliner, and alligator-trimmed wool sunvisors.

First Class Features

Everywhere you look with the build of the Icon 4×4 1949 “Derelict” Hudson Coupe there is a feature that positively wows. This includes fantastic specifications such as the supercharged GM LS9 6.2L V-8, 638 HP @ 6,500 RPM/ 604 lb-ft @ 3,800 RPM, crafted cold-air intake, dyno-tuned, Hydratech brake booster, Wilwood master cylinder, PSC remote reservoir, Griffin aluminium radiator and CNC aluminium knobs designed as original.

This exemplary creation does a fantastic job of showcasing the restorative talents of Jonathan Ward of Icon 4×4 and it goes without saying that the lucky new recipient of this vehicle has one of the most eye-catching and majestic looking machines you’re likely to encounter on any open road out there.