In Pixar’s Cars, Doc Hudson is the retired race car who serves as Radiator Springs’ judge and doctor.
Doc initially appears to be a quiet local authority, but the film later reveals that he was once the famous Hudson Hornet. He won three Piston Cups before a crash ended his racing career and left him bitter about how quickly the racing world moved on without him.
When Lightning McQueen arrives in Radiator Springs, Doc becomes an unwilling mentor. He teaches McQueen that racing is not only about speed and trophies, and his experience helps the younger car understand loyalty and community. Doc’s blue paint and Hudson Hornet styling distinguish him from the newer racing cars.
Doc Hudson was voiced by Paul Newman, whose own career included acting and involvement in motorsport. The character is therefore linked both to the fictional Hudson Hornet and to a real-world racing legend’s voice performance.