Restoring a 1 of 2 British-Built 1938 Hudson
There are restoration projects, and then there are icons.
When Ken Chapman brought his 1938 Hudson Great Eight Country Club Sedan to us at Kalum Bodywork, we knew we were not just working on a car—we were preserving a rare piece of British automotive history. This particular model is one of only two British-built versions in existence, which heightened the pressure to achieve perfection.
The Art of the "Authentic Vintage Finish"
A car of this caliber deserves more than just a fresh coat of paint. To honor its heritage, we undertook a meticulous, ground-up restoration process:
The vehicle was disassembled down to bare metal to ensure the foundation was flawless. Each body part was removed and painted separately to guarantee a uniform, quality finish in every nook and cranny.
The interior was completely removed and re-trimmed to match the original 1938 design, maintaining the authentic vintage feel that Ken was looking for.
A Show-Stopping Debut
After months of hard work, the restoration was completed in November 2016 and its first stop? Centre stage at the Birmingham NEC.
The Hudson was selected as the main show stand for Lancaster Insurance at the Classic Motor Show, where it captivated the attention of thousands of enthusiasts.
As Ken Chapman himself told the press:
“Credit has to go to the guys at Kalum Bodywork; their craftsmanship in putting the car back together was second to none.”
A Continuing Legacy
The Hudson’s journey didn’t stop at the NEC. Its "second life" has been filled with prestigious invitations and accolades:
2017: Showcased at the world-renowned Regent Street Classic Car Show.
2018: Invited to the inner circle of the Belgravia Car Show in Belgrade Gardens.
Seeing a vehicle we restored transition from our workshop to some of the most exclusive car shows in the country is the ultimate reward. It’s a testament to what happens when heritage meets high-end craftsmanship.
Does your classic need a Show-level revival?
Whether it’s a rare British-built legend or your personal passion project, we bring the same level of bare-metal detail to every car that enters our garage.
Contact Kalum Bodywork today to discuss your restoration.