In Pixar's Cars, what type of real-world vehicle is Doc Hudson modeled after?

In Pixar's Cars, Doc Hudson is modeled after a 1951 Hudson Hornet.

Doc is the town doctor and a former racing champion whose hidden past becomes important to Lightning McQueen's development. His design is based on the first-generation Hudson Hornet, a car introduced for the 1951 model year. The real Hornet became notable in stock-car racing during the early 1950s.

In the film, Doc once competed under the identity of the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. He won three Piston Cups before a crash ended his racing career and left him bitter about how the racing world treated him. His experience allows him to teach Lightning about cornering, patience, and the value of preparation.

Paul Newman voices Doc Hudson in Cars. The character was written as a tribute to racing history and to Newman's own connection with motorsport. Doc's real-world model is not the same vehicle as Lightning's modern fictional race car.