1936 Hudson Custom Eight Convertible Coupe

Founded in 1908, the Hudson Motor Company enjoyed great success as one of America's leading manufacturers. Hudson's reputation was based on the solid and reliable Six and Super Six models during the 1920s. When, in response to a trend towards engines of straight eight-cylinder configuration, Hudson introduced the appropriately named Hudson Eight in 1930, Hudson's reputation for performance continued.

In 1936, Hudson introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time on its Eight. One of only six known survivors, this Series 65 Hudson Custom Eight is powered by a 254 cubic inch inline 8-cylinder engine that produces 113 horsepower. This Convertible Coupe sports various optional equipment, including fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. Complementing these features is the Glacier Blue exterior.

This 1936 Hudson Custom Eight Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $120,000 - $160,000. It is the recipient of an 11-year restoration and is one of only six known survivors. It is finished with a Glacier Blue exterior with a brown interior. Standard equipment includes large wheel covers, a 'banjo style' steering wheel, a radio with an under-the-running board antenna, and a cigar lighter. Optional equipment in this car includes fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. There are disappearing roll-down wind wings and an L-head eight-cylinder engine displaces 254 cubic inches and produces over 110 horsepower.

This car has won an AACA President's Cup award, Best in Class at Meadow Brook, and an AACA Grand National 1st Place award. It recently won a Platinum Award for Pre-War Vintage 1925-1942 Automobiles at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance.

At the auction, this elegant beauty was rewarded with a selling price of $181,500 after the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2007

Founded in 1908, the Hudson Motor Company enjoyed great success as one of America's leading manufacturers in its early years. Hudson's reputation was based on the solid and reliable Six and Super Six models during the 1920s. When, in response to a trend towards engines of straight eight-cylinder configuration, Hudson introduced the appropriately named Hudson Eight in 1930, Hudson's reputation for performance continued. In 1935, Hudson introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time on its Eight. One of only six known survivors, this Series 65 Hudson Custom Eight has 113 hp, a 254 cubic-inch L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Carter 330S carburetor, radial safety control front suspension, and semi-rear floating rear axle, four-wheel Duo-Serve hydraulic brakes, and a wheelbase of 120 inches.

The standard equipment found only on the Custom Eight series includes the large wheel covers, a banjo-style steering wheel, a radio with an under-the-running-board antenna, and a cigar lighter. This Convertible Coupe also sports various optional equipment, including fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. It also features disappearing roll-down wind wings. Complementing these features are the Glacier Blue exterior and detailed brown interior. A rare survivor, this Hudson Custom Eight has been restored to concours condition.