What model of car is Doc Hudson in Pixar’s Cars?

Doc Hudson in Pixar’s Cars is a 1951 Hudson Hornet.

Doc’s design is based on the real Hudson Hornet, a full-size American car produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company. The 1951 model is especially significant because the real Hornet became famous in stock-car racing. Its “step-down” body design gave it a low center of gravity, helping it perform strongly on the tracks of the early 1950s.

In the film, Doc is revealed to have been the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racer who won three Piston Cups before an injury ended his racing career. The character is voiced by Paul Newman. The fictional Piston Cup is not the same competition as NASCAR, although Doc’s racing history reflects the real Hudson Hornet’s motorsport reputation.