Doc Hudson is the retired race car who lives in Radiator Springs in Pixar's Cars.
Doc first appears as the town's doctor and a respected Hudson Hornet. He is initially stern toward Lightning McQueen, especially after McQueen's careless driving damages Radiator Springs. As McQueen spends time in town, he learns that Doc has a remarkable racing past.
Doc was a three-time Piston Cup champion and the 1951 Rookie of the Year. His career ended after a serious crash and a long period of being ignored by the racing world. The character's history is inspired by the real Hudson Hornet, a celebrated 1950s stock car.
Doc is voiced by Paul Newman, whose connection to automobile racing added special significance to the role. The character is not the town sheriff; that is a separate car named Sheriff. Doc's identity combines a medical role, racing expertise, and the film's theme of respecting older achievements.