1952 Hudson Wasp Two-Door Brougham
- Engine
- Inline six-cylinder with Power Dome cylinder head and Twin H-Power dual-carburetor induction, 127 bhp standard, backed by Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic
A 1952 Hudson Wasp Two-Door Brougham equipped with the rare Twin H-Power dual-carburetor induction system, Power Dome cylinder head, and optional Hydra-Matic four-speed automatic transmission. Once owned by actor Steve McQueen, who reportedly treasured it as an everyday driver around Santa Paula in his later years, the car passed through his estate auction in 1984 before being acquired by the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, where it was displayed publicly for nearly two decades.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$110,000
- → 1980Acquisition unknownSteve McQueenpartial documentation
McQueen regarded this car as a personal favorite for everyday driving in later life, using it for local outings around Santa Paula and school pick-ups. He stored it among other vehicles at the Santa Paula Airport hangar, which also served as his temporary residence during a home renovation.
- 1980 → 1984InheritanceSteve McQueen Estatepartial documentation
Car passed into the estate following McQueen's death and was catalogued as Lot 526 at the estate auction, described in very good overall condition.
- 1984-11-01 → 2006-11-01AuctionBuyer at Imperial Palace estate auctionnone documentation
Purchased at the November 1984 McQueen estate sale held at the Imperial Palace; identity of this owner not disclosed in the catalogue.
- 2006-11-01 →AuctionPetersen Automotive Museumpartial documentation
Acquired at public sale and displayed the car to visitors and at several McQueen-themed events over nearly two decades; engine was rebuilt at some point during their stewardship.
Competition
- 20132013 Steve McQueen Car and Motorcycle Show
Car was displayed by the Petersen Automotive Museum as part of a McQueen-themed exhibition event.
- 20142014 ArtCenter College of Design Street to Screen Car Classic
Car appeared as a display exhibit at this automotive-themed show hosted by ArtCenter College of Design.
- 20152015 Friends of Steve McQueen Show
Car was shown at this annual McQueen tribute event while under Petersen Museum ownership.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Engine rebuild
The inline six-cylinder engine was rebuilt at an unspecified point; it is described as well detailed with the original Power Dome head and Twin H carburetor arrangement still in place.
Date and scope of rebuild not stated; the original performance components were retained.
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