Doc Hudson is the retired Piston Cup champion known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet in Pixar’s Cars. He is a 1951 Hudson Hornet and once dominated the racing circuit before an injury ended his career.
Doc’s racing history explains both his expertise and his guarded personality. After being pushed aside by the racing world, he settles in Radiator Springs and serves as the town’s doctor and judge. Lightning McQueen initially treats him as an ordinary small-town car, but gradually discovers Doc’s championship past.
The character draws on the real Hudson Hornet, an American automobile famous for its “step-down” design and success in early stock-car racing. Doc’s racing number is 51, reflecting the year associated with his model. The Fabulous Hudson Hornet is sometimes confused with Strip Weathers, known as The King, another champion in the Cars universe.