In Pixar’s Cars, which character is a former Piston Cup champion called Doc Hudson?

In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson is a Hudson Hornet.

Doc is the town doctor and judge in Radiator Springs, but he previously raced as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. His past is revealed when Lightning discovers newspaper clippings showing that Doc was a celebrated Piston Cup champion.

The character is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company during the early 1950s. The real model became famous in stock-car racing, particularly for its “step-down” design and competitive performance on dirt tracks.

Doc’s racing number is 51, and Paul Newman provided his voice. Doc’s history explains why he is initially impatient with Lightning’s attitude: he recognizes the danger of talent without humility. His eventual decision to coach Lightning becomes one of the film’s central relationships.