1937 Hudson Deluxe Eight Convertible Coupe

The Hudson company was named after Joseph L. Hudson, a wealthy Detroit businessman and founder of the Hudson Motor Car Company. During the 1920s, the company built a reputation for its reliable Six and Super Six models. Their sister company, Essex, began producing a line of vehicles with six-cylinder engines in 1924. This put pressure on Hudson to move further up-market, which they did in 1930 with their Eight. The eight-cylinder engine used a side valve configuration and propelled Hudson into a new market.

The 1937 Hudsons achieved stunning success in Class C, closed stock car racing circuit, breaking all existing records. Their durability and performance were unmatched and accounted for 38 records in 1937, many of them high-speed records and endurance runs.

This 1937 Hudson Deluxe Eight Convertible has an L-Head straight eight-cylinder 254.47 cubic-inch engine that produces 122 horsepower. It has a 'Hydraulic Hill Hold' electric pre-selector three-speed transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

This example, with chassis number 743063 was estimated to sell between $60,000 - $80,000 at the 2006 RM Auctions in Meadow Brook. At the close of bidding, it found a new home at $72,600.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2006