Which real racing car does Doc Hudson represent in Pixar's Cars?

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

Doc is the town physician and judge in Radiator Springs, but his hidden past is that of a celebrated Piston Cup racer. He once competed as the Fabulous Hudson Hornet and won three Piston Cup championships before a crash ended his racing career. His character combines the shape and reputation of the real Hudson Hornet with an original fictional biography.

The real Hudson Hornet was produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company. The model became famous in early stock-car racing, especially through drivers such as Herb Thomas, whose success helped establish the Hornet's competition reputation. Pixar used that history as a foundation for Doc's backstory.

Doc's design is not a generic classic car. Its distinctive rounded body and grille identify it as a Hudson Hornet. The character is voiced by Paul Newman in Cars, making Doc notable both for his automotive inspiration and for the performance of the acclaimed actor and former racing enthusiast.