Doc Hudson is the retired race car known as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet in Pixar’s Cars.
Doc is a 1951 Hudson Hornet who secretly competed as one of the most successful racers of his era. He won three Piston Cups and became famous for his skill and distinctive racing record. A serious crash ended his racing career, and the racing world soon moved on without him.
In Radiator Springs, Doc serves as the town’s physician and judge. He initially dislikes Lightning McQueen’s loud, careless behavior because it reminds him of the way racing treated him after his injury. Their relationship changes as Lightning learns humility and Doc recognizes the young car’s potential.
Doc Hudson was voiced by Paul Newman in Cars. Newman’s experience as both an actor and racing enthusiast added special significance to the role. Because Newman died in 2008, Doc does not appear as a living character in Cars 2; his legacy is instead central to Lightning’s story in Cars 3.