A Chris Craft Commander film: Fred Hudson

About Fred Hudson. He began his career with the Packard Motor Car Company in 1954, and he moved on to Chrysler where he was part of the team that created the blazingly-fast 300 series. In addition to his Detroit credentials, Hudson made history in boatbuilding.

As Chief Stylist for Chris-Craft from 1960 to 1964, he was responsible for the design of the 1964 38' Express Fiberglass Commander.

About the Chris-Craft Commander. In 1964, amidst much secrecy, Chris Craft Boat Corporation unveiled its first entry into the fiberglass cruiser market at the New York Boat Show with the 38' Express. The boat was heralded as a design marvel from the drawing tables of Fred Hudson and "Mac" MacKerer.
Chris-Craft produced other Commanders ranging in size from the sporty 19' to the palatial 60'. These boats are still plentiful today, and much sought after for their fine workmanship, seaworthiness and accommodations. They continue to increase in value as the awareness of their construction and durability becomes more well-known.

This film's focus is on Fred Hudson's contribution to the Chris-Craft Commander line, and to the lives of countless families who enjoy these classic boats 50 years later.

A film by Whitney Pillsbury

About the filmmaker. When Whitney Pillsbury isn't working on his "project" boat, he earns a living as a Group Creative Director at The Kaplan Thaler Group on the Wendy's campaign "You know when it's real." His previous project was the groundbreaking Trojan "evolve" campaign featuring men as the pigs they are. Since becoming the first hire in the Kaplan Thaler Group's creative department in 1997, Whitney has created some of the agencies most memorable commercials.

Whitney serves as the Membership Chairperson of the Chris-Craft Commander Club, managing a worldwide boat registry of thousands of Commanders that are still running strong. He has donated his creative skills to the design of the Club's logo, many t-shirts and posters. His biggest donation; however, is time. Whitney has owned the 38' Express, a 19' Super Sport, and is currently restoring a 'project' 1974 55' Commander.

This film was produced by the Chris-Craft Commander Club

About the Chris-Craft Commander Club. The mission of the club is to celebrate and preserve these vintage boats.
The club got its start in 1999 as a written registry of a few boat owners. The club quickly took its mission to the web where it saw an explosive increase in membership, which now totals over 1000 members worldwide.
http://www.commanderclub.com

DO NOT REPRODUCE OR REDISTRIBUTE

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Fred Hudson
• Commander
• boat styling
• Chris-Craft
• Chris
• Craft
• Chrysler
• Imperial
• Packard
• industrial design

[blastoffblue]

Thanks Guys for making this fantastic record of Mr Hudson's contribution to the design of the original fiberglass Commander and the automotive industry. There hasn't been as capable a designer since.

[sharonie11]

Thanks for the wonderful memories......please come back and haunt us.

[marioolivencia]

thank to make the best boat ever.... 45 comander

[pillsiv]

Whit, Great job!! Wish there was something like this with Jerry Michalek designer for Sea Ray Boats from start to over 60 feet.

[notbiddy]

This is wonderful and very touching. Thanks to Scott for developing a relationship with Mr. Hudson and Whitney for putting this priceless video together. Fred finishes with "I guess I will have to come back and haunt everybody". Count me in, Fred.

[comdrsca]

Awesome as always Whitney. Fred will always be a part of my life and i consider myself proud and lucky to have known him and be a part of the recognition within the Chris Craft community that he so richly deserved. I just wish he could have lived to see this and to join us last year at Huron.