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

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

Doc initially presents himself as Radiator Springs' physician and judge, but the film later reveals that he was once a celebrated race car. As the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, he won three consecutive Piston Cups before a serious crash ended his racing career.

The Hudson Hornet was a real American automobile produced by Hudson Motor Car Company. Its “step-down” design and strong performance made it notable in early stock-car racing. The real car became especially famous through drivers such as Marshall Teague, whose racing success helped inspire the fictional character.

Doc's history explains both his expertise and his bitterness toward racing. Paul Newman, who voiced Doc, had a long-standing interest in motorsports and also raced in real life. Doc is not a generic old sedan: the 1951 Hudson Hornet is an important part of his identity.