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Photo courtesy of Dick Morland
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The Chris Craft Commander Club bestowed its Hall of
Fame award to Chris Craft Designer, Fred Hudson
(1929-2010), posthumously, at its 2010 Rendezvous in
Huron, Ohio.
Fred’s contribution to the birth of the Commander (Chris
Craft's first fiberglass cruiser) cannot be overstated.
Along with veteran Chris Craft designer and Senior
Vice-President, A.W. MacKerer, Hudson used his vision to
bring to market a true classic in the new technology of
fiberglass. The Chris Craft 1964 38’ Commander Express was
an instant success.
Quoting Herb Pocklington, who
had the opportunity to work alongside Hudson, “Fred had the
vision, his vision, and the others had experience and a
desire to make the final design uncomplicated- in their eyes
– and easy to build.” Their final product - the Commander –
continues to captivate admirers even today as a result of
that timeless vision.
That timeless vision was also
later realized in his work for the Uniesse Italian line of
mega-yachts.
However, Fred’s first love was
automobile design. His work with car giants Packard,
American Motors and Chrysler is legendary. But, it’s his
uncompromising work in the field of boat design, that
warrants our recognition, and we couldn’t be more delighted
than to bestow unto Mr. Hudson this award for his
contributions to Chris Craft, the Commander line of
cruisers, and the joy he has brought to thousands of
Commander owners, yesterday and today.
Thank you
Fred. Rest peacefully.
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