1912 Hudson Model 33 news, pictures, and information

The 1912 Hudson 'Mile-a-Minute' Roadster was faster than its '60-mph' name implied. It was a very advanced vehicle though minimalist in design. It had a 100-mph Warner Auto-meter, Demountable rims with an extra rim in the back, lamps, Prest-O-Lite tank, and luggage carriers. It had a thirty gallon fuel tank and an additional tank for 10 gallons of oil. It was very well balanced and could travel the roads and raceways in better form than most other vehicles.

It was a dual-purpose vehicle with both road and racing in mind. It had quick-fill oil and gas filler caps. For intense racing situations, the fenders could be removed to reduce weight even further.

The Hudson Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan began producing vehicles in 1910 and would remain in production until 1954. Their first vehicles had a 20-horsepower, four-cylinder engine that promised speeds of 50 MPH. During their first year, around 4,000 examples were sold. The four-cylinder engine would remain in the Hudson line-up until 1916 when it was dropped in favor of a one-model policy. Their sole offering had a 4730cc Super-Six engine.

The company was started by Roy D. Chapin with financial backing by J.L. Hudson, head of Detroit's famous department store that bore the same name.

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JY Coupe
Coachwork: James Young
Chassis Num: KK 15554

1912 was a big year for the Hudson Motor Company. The Model 20 was no longer offered, and the Model 37 and Model 54 were added. The Model 33 continued, now offered in a greater array of bodystyles - the most memorable being the 'Mile-A-Minute' Roadster. In total, there were seven bodystyles available to the Model 33, which ranged from two- to 5 passenger vehicles. Power was from a four-cylinder L-head Monobloc engine that displaced 226 cubic-inches and produced 33 horsepower. There was a three-speed sliding gear transmission with wet-cork clutch, semi-floating rear axle, and mechanical brakes on two wheels. In total, there were 5,708 Hudson Model 33's produced in 1912.

This 1912 Hudson Model 33 wears a coupe body by British coachbuilder James Young. It is believed that a mere six examples were built in 1911 and 1912 of this coupe style. In the rear is a single dickey seat. The window operation is based on English railway-carriage design adn the interior is finished in shades of brown cloth and carpet.

In 1989, this car became part of the Schmitt Collection. The prior owner was David and Dorothy Rice of Pasadena, California. They had owned the car since the 1950s. It currently wears a restoration that is about 25-years old.

In 2008, this Model 33 Coupe with Dickey Seat was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $110,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $66,000 including buyer's premium.

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