1928 Hupmobile Century Series 125 Rumble Seat Roadster

Hupmobile started production in 1909 with the Model 20. It had a 20-horsepower, 4-cylinder, water-cooled engine with a 2-speed sliding gear transmission. It was light, nimble, sporty, fast for the day, and could be considered among the first sports cars. Its only shortcoming was its ability to climb steep hills due to having only a 2-speed transmission, earning the nickname 'Up No Hill.' It had an 86-inch wheelbase and was available only with a roadster/runabout body. Production was 1,618 cars in 1909 climbing to 5,340 in 1910. The price was $750, $150 less than the comparable Model T Ford. In 1912 Hupmobile introduced the larger 32 horsepower Model 32 starting their trend towards progressively larger more powerful cars. The last year for the Model 20 was 1913. Hupmobile produced a wide variety of models until 1941 when production ceased.

Production was strong in its first year, with 1618 examples being created. The Hupmobile was one of America's most popular automobiles in the 1910s and 1920s. In fact, its peak sales year was 1928 - the year this car was built - when sales hit 65,862. However, sales began to decline and the company closed in 1941.

The company began in Detroit in 1909 and by the 'teens, it was selling well. Interestingly, Hupp made the move from its mainstay four-cylinder motor to an eight in 1925, eventually adding a six-cylinder motor a year later.

This Hupp features several period accessories including side-mounted spare tires, a luggage rack, and trunk and disc wheels. It is powered by a 268.6 cubic-inch inline eight-cylinder motor that developed 80 horsepower. The factory price of the Century sedan in 1928 was $21,195.