1931 Hudson Series T Boat-Tailed Sport Roadster

Hudson introduced a straight eight in 1930. It was derived from the companion make Essex Six, and it had a smaller displacement and less power than the old Super Six. With the new Great Eight being 500 pounds lighter, the new model saw a performance improvement. The following year, the engine was given a wider bore, higher compression, and an increase in power. The name was upgraded to 'Greater Eight.' Two wheelbase sizes continued to be offered; a shorter Series T measuring 119 inches and the longer, top-of-the-line Series U which had a 126-inch platform.

The boat-tailed roadsters offered by Hudson were not available every year. In 1927 and 1929, there were Essex boat-tails. It re-appeared in 1931. By this point in history, Hudson and Essex shared bodies, so a Hudson boat-tail was created, with the bodies built by Murray. Ray Dietrich was under the employment of Murray during this time, and it is believed the Hudson boat-tail speedster, with its convertible top design and steeply raked windshield, was among his achievements.

This 1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boat-Tailed Sport Roadster was purchased from the William F. Harrah Collection in the 1980s by Mr. Rose of Nebraska. The car wears an older restoration. It is believed Mr. Rose later sold the car to a collector in Gordonsville, Virginia, where it stayed for many years until sold by the owner's estate to a collector in Meriden, Connecticut.

In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the Hershey, PA, presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $72,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011