In Pixar's Cars, which classic race car is revealed to be Doc Hudson?

Doc Hudson is revealed to be a 1951 Hudson Hornet in Pixar's Cars.

Doc initially appears to be Radiator Springs' stern town physician and judge. Later, McQueen discovers that Doc was once the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated race car and three-time Piston Cup champion. The revelation explains Doc's knowledge of racing and his reluctance to discuss his past.

The real Hudson Hornet was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company. The model became famous in stock-car racing during the early 1950s, especially for its low center of gravity and strong performance. Pixar used that history as the foundation for Doc's fictional career.

Paul Newman provided Doc's voice in Cars. The film's story does not identify Doc simply as a generic Hudson: it specifically presents him as a 1951 Hudson Hornet. This makes “Hudson Hornet” more precise than answers such as Hudson or Fabulous Hudson, which describe the marque or nickname rather than the full model identity.