The start of America's involvement resulted in all auto makers in the United States stopping production and retooling for the war effort.  Hudson was the last automobile maker to close down its production line. 

The '42 Hudson had several important changes over the previous year's models, most notably the "covered" running board, where the door was extended on the lower portion to "flare" out and cover the running board.  The result was a graceful, flowing appearance.  The grill was also changed from the previous year's version.

Another feature was the introduction of the "Drive-Master" transmission - a pre-cursor to true automatic transmissions.  As you can see in the advertisement to the left, Hudson was very proud of their new baby. (This ad is from a September 1941 issue of the Idaho Falls. Idaho Post Register newspaper.)

Only about 6,000 Hudsons were manufactured.  As production wound down, models were produced with painted "blackout" trim in place of chrome and stainless steel. 

The Hudson clutch was an interesting thing, with a face made up of small patches of cork.  My father, who owned several Hudsons, said that when the clutchplate was in good condition, it was the smoothest he had ever driven.