In Pixar's Cars, Doc Hudson was secretly known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet.
Doc is the town doctor and judge in Radiator Springs, but he once had a celebrated racing career. He won three Piston Cups and was a leading competitor before a crash ended his career. The film reveals that he was the real Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a legend from an earlier generation of racing.
Doc's character is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car that competed successfully in early-1950s stock-car racing. The production drew on the vehicle's distinctive design and its importance in NASCAR history. Doc's racing number is 51, matching the year 1951 and the historical Hudson Hornet association.
A major part of Doc's conflict with McQueen comes from his belief that the young racer does not respect the sport's older traditions. Their relationship changes when McQueen learns Doc's history and Doc decides to support him.