Hudson Rambler dealer clock

[West Peterson]

I'm assuming this would be from 1955-56. Would the time-frame be wider than that?

[Guest Skyking]

West, I believe the first "New" Rambler was 1950. Hudson went to 1957. Hope this helps. BTW, nice piece!!

Edited December 30, 2012 by Skyking (see edit history)

[West Peterson]

Nash and Hudson did not merge until 1954.

[Dave@Moon]

I'm assuming this would be from 1955-56. Would the time-frame be wider than that?

The merger resulted in Hudson dealers selling their version of a "Hudson Rambler" in 1955 & 1956. Hudson continued on alone as a make in it's last year of 1957, Ramblers becoming exclusively Nash products before becoming their own make in 1958.

It might be possible that a dealer carried both Hudson and Nash franchises in 1957, and would be then servicing both Hudson & Ramblers that year. But why then would it read Hudson-Nash-Rambler Service? Ditto for a 1958 or later dealer item for a Hudson dealer now selling the "new" Rambler marque after Nash's demise. Would it not promote Nash service as well as Hudson?

I think you're right that this could only be for a 1955/56 dealership.

[supersix]

It is probably not advertising a Hudson Rambler (1955-56) but is advertising Hudson AND Rambler, which Hudson dealers probably carried in '57 also. I could be wrong but I don't believe the '57 Rambler was a Nash. I don't think a dealer just selling Hudsons in '57 could have survived just selling Hudsons only.

[Guest Skyking]

Nash and Hudson did not merge until 1954.

If that was the case for this clock, I think it would read Hudson/Nash, not Rambler. I think it was given to dealers that sold Hudsons and Ramblers, like back in the day when they sold DeSotos/Plymouths or Plymouth/Dodge. It may date back to '51 or '52.

[CarFreak]

For more information contact Jack Miller of Miller Motors, the oldest and last remaining Hudson dealer located in Ypsilanti Michigan.

In 1927, Carl Miller opened a Hudson Sales and Service franchise on the site, and in 1955 the dealership was renamed Miller Motors, reflecting expanded product offerings. From 1927 until the Hudson Motor Car Company closed in 1958, the dealership sold 1,969 new cars, and has retained and preserved all dealership records since opening. For about 20 years, Miller Motors continued as a used car and parts dealer specializing in Hudsons and Hudson parts. In 1975, Jack Miller, Carl's son, began restoring Hudson cars. Since then, Miller Motors has become "the place to go when [Hudson owners] need clutch oil or touch-up paint, or want to buy or sell a Hudson." The dealership sold 105 Hudsons from 1959 through early 2003, and still has Hudson parts in original factory packaging.

Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[West Peterson]

If that was the case for this clock, I think it would read Hudson/Nash, not Rambler. I think it was given to dealers that sold Hudsons and Ramblers, like back in the day when they sold DeSotos/Plymouths or Plymouth/Dodge. It may date back to '51 or '52.

Wouldn't that be the same as if a Cadillac dealer also sold Lexus? There wouldn't be a multi-brand clock on the wall. I hope that doesn't sound like a smart-a$$ question. I don't know enough about the two companies and how they all went down, and when.

By the way, it's not my clock. Just something one of our members has asked of me, and I'm trying to get him an answer. I say that, so that you don't think I'm milking you for information so that I cn throw it up on eBay. (I can't say for sure about the person who owns the clock, tho.)

Thanks.

Edited December 31, 2012 by West Peterson (see edit history)

[Guest Skyking]

Wouldn't that be the same as if a Cadillac dealer also sold Lexus? There wouldn't be a multi-brand clock on the wall. I hope that doesn't sound like a smart-a$$ question.

No, not in the least........ It's just that back then things weren't done politically correct like they are done today. Today there would be law suits. Anyway, it will be interesting to find the answer.

[TG57Roadmaster]

West,

In 1969, AM put out an informative softcover book called, "The American Motors Family Album," that lists many of the company's offerings from both Nash and Hudson's beginnings, thru the merger (May 1, 1954) and up to '69 in the first edition. It states that beginning in 1955, Ramblers were sold by both Nash and Hudson (with badging the only difference), that the practice continued thru 1956, and was discontinued for the 1957 model year.

Patrick Foster's excellent book, "American Motors, The Last Independent" confirms this, and points to the new 1955 Rambler brochure ("the first new car from American Motors") as not mentioning either Nash or Hudson. The 1955 "Automotive News Almanac" lists Rambler as a separate make and is not shown among the offerings of Nash or Hudson, as it has its own listing. (In 1954 and prior, it's listed as the Nash Rambler). 1955 is the also first year my trusty "Red Book, Nat'l Used Car Market Report" breaks out Rambler in a separate listing.

Soooo, we can assume that the clock is from 1955-56, and '57, as Hudson still sold Ramblers in dualled-deals, badged simply as Ramblers regardless of where they were sold. Foster notes that the '55-'56 setup must must have confused customers; that confusion continues to this day(!).

TG

[West Peterson]

I don't feel so bad about being confused. I thought it was just a matter of not paying enough attention.

[paulrhd29nz]

In June 25, 1957 the last hudson named car left the Kenosha plant. American Motors dropped the hudson name and began to concentrate on the Ramler.

The 1953 (model year) was the last True Hudson made. 1954( callander year) was the merger with Nash.

1955 and 56 model were Hudson Rambler cars.

In 1957 the folks at AMC declared the Rambler a separate car make.

All were still sold through Hudson and Nash dealers.

It is a very complicated time in history. The money that was lost in all of this is amazing to say the least!

[TG57Roadmaster]

To add to the mess, here's an invoice for a '57 Rambler sold by a Hudson deal in PA. Note that they call it a Hudson Rambler. Ouch!

paulrhd,

The 1953 (model year) was the last True Hudson made. 1954( callander year) was the merger with Nash

Don't tell the owners of '54 Hudsons that, it might get you into trouble...

TG

[john2dameron]

Even tho' a merger occurred, Hudsons and Nashes from 1954 probably had no more in common (nothing) than '54 Packards and Studebakers had in common (again, nothing).