Doc Hudson is revealed to be the Fabulous Hudson Hornet in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc is the respected physician and judge of Radiator Springs, but his guarded behavior hides a remarkable racing past. He was a champion competitor before a crash ended his racing career and left him disillusioned with the sport.
The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a car that achieved major success in early-1950s stock-car racing. In the film, Doc’s experience contrasts with Lightning McQueen’s youthful confidence and teaches Lightning that winning is not the only measure of a meaningful life.
Paul Newman provided Doc’s voice. The character is a 1951 Hudson Hornet, and his racing number is 51, details that help distinguish him from Lightning and the other racers.