#51 stands for the year of manufacture for the Hudson Hornet. The real "Fabulous Hudson Hornet" inspires the toy's paint deco. In the movie Doc's record of 27 wins for a single season and championships is the same as the 1952 team, led by Marshall Teague, who raced the real "#6 Fabulous Hudson Hornet" in 1951. (The car was also raced as #91 in 1952 and #92 in 1953.) Doc's license plate "51HHMD", which stands for "1951 Hudson Hornet, M.D.", is missing on the toy itself.