<DIV>Hudson emphasized performance when promoting its cars and entered speed and endurance events to prove it. It always did well in these events but its shining hour as a performance car didnt come until near the end of its history. A powerful engine, a low center of gravity, excellent suspension and steering combined in the Hornet to make it unbeatable on the stock car racing circuit from 1951 through 1954.<BR><br> Unfortunately, racing success did not translate into sufficient sales to keep the company healthy and in 1954 Hudson was acquired by Nash to form American Motors. Nevertheless, Hudson left a legacy of design innovations that will be long remembered.</div>