What type of vehicle is Doc Hudson in Pixar's Cars?

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

The Hudson Hornet was a real American automobile produced by Hudson Motor Car Company. The model became famous in stock-car racing during the early 1950s, when Hudson's low center of gravity and strong performance helped it compete successfully against larger rivals.

In Cars, Doc initially appears to be the quiet town doctor and judge of Radiator Springs. Lightning McQueen later discovers that Doc was once the Fabulous Hudson Hornet, a celebrated racing champion who won three consecutive Piston Cups. His racing history explains both his expertise and his reluctance to return to the spotlight.

The animated character was voiced by Paul Newman, whose real-life career included acting and professional-level racing. Doc Hudson is sometimes identified only as a Hudson Hornet, but the film's character design is specifically based on the 1951 model. Hudson production ended after the company merged with Nash-Kelvinator in 1954.