A rare 1948 Hudson Super-Six has arrived in Perth from Ballarat, Victoria, and is now on public display at the Motor Museum of Western Australia.

Its arrival coincides with the museum’s 30th anniversary, marking a milestone in the preservation of Western Australia’s motoring history.

It now joins the museum’s growing collection of historic vehicles. Located in Whiteman Park, the motor museum has displayed rare and culturally significant vehicles since 1994.

The Hudson has become a centrepiece of the museum’s evolving collection, highlighting their ongoing commitment to preserving motoring heritage.

“We’re very big on unique vehicles,” said museum manager Daniel Gannon. “This Hudson is one of only a handful of its kind in Australia, and we’re lucky enough to have it on display.”

This Hudson Super-Six comes with a deeply personal story.

Barry Monument, the car’s late owner, was known for his lifelong passion for vintage American vehicles. Julie Monument, Barry’s daughter and now the owner of the car, decided to loan the Hudson to the museum after he passed away in February 2025

“I took Dad to the car museum last year while he was in Perth undergoing cancer treatment,” she said.

“He absolutely loved it and the way the volunteers cared so deeply for all the vehicles on display.”

Monument said her father was thrilled when she told him she planned to loan the Hudson to the museum so others could appreciate his “pride and joy.”

She hopes his legacy will live on through the car he cherished, lovingly named Miss Daisy, after another Hudson featured in the 1989 film Driving Miss Daisy.

“We like vehicles that are unique, one-offs, or have historical significance. Preferably in WA and Australia, but also globally,” Mr Gannon said.

“This car, having been the same type featured in a major Hollywood movie, gives it quite an attractive quality.”

Barry Monument next to the Hudson Super Six. Photo: supplied.

Beyond its sentimental value and Hollywood connection, the 1948 Hudson Super-Six is exceptionally rare in Australia. Fewer than 20 are estimated to be registered in the country, said Phil Haxby, Secretary and Editor of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Car Club Victoria.

Mr Haxby commended the car’s original designers and emphasised the importance of public motor museums in preserving older vehicles.

“I believe Australia’s motoring heritage needs to be retained because it shows younger generations just how far technology has come,” he said. “The 1948 Hudson’s always attract attention.”

Its rarity is matched by its reputation. Hudson’s post-war innovation earned praise for engineering and design, setting it apart from competitors of the era.

In an article for Indie Auto, editor Steve described Hudson Motor Car Company’s post-war innovation as “unmatched,” writing that “in the early post-war period, Hudson came the closest to being an American Mercedes-Benz.”

In addition to preserving and displaying motoring heritage, car clubs and museums across Australia also foster community through events, exhibitions, and storytelling.

The Motor Museum of Western Australia’s vision was to create a permanent home for motoring history. Today, the museum houses hundreds of vehicles, from American classic’s, Australian Holdens and even Daniel Riccardo’s Red Bull Formula One car.

“Thirty years on, we believe we have the best motoring museum in WA and possibly even in Australia,” Mr Gannon said. “Our museum is all about preserving motoring history, the stories of the people and what their vehicles mean to them. That’s what makes this place special.”

The Hudson offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era and highlights the lasting connections between people and the vehicles they cherish.

Visitors can view the Hudson Super-Six at the Motor Museum of Western Australia in Whiteman Park. It is open daily from 10am to 4pm.