1913 Hudson Model 37 Touring Car

For 1912, Hudson returned to a one-model production line with the Model 20 discontinued and Model 33 now available in seven body styles. Engineering enhancements included a self-starter from the Disco Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan. The only other automaker to offer an electric starter at the time was Cadillac.

For 1913, Hudson had a two-model lineup with the four-cylinder, 37 horsepower Model 37, and six-cylinder Model 54. This was also the final year for Hudson to offer a four-cylinder engine. The Model 37 was offered with five body styles, while the Model 54 had six body styles to select from. The Model 37 made its debut in July 1912, while the 'six' followed a month later. The Model 37 had a 118-inch wheelbase platform, while the Model 54 rested on a 127-inch wheelbase platform.

Standard features on the 1913 Hudson included electric lighting, an illuminated dash, mohair tops and side curtains for the open cars, a 'rain vision' windshield, a speedometer, a clock, and wheels with demountable rims.

This particular example is a 1913 Hudson Model 37 Touring. It was acquired by the Eldon Hostetler Collection from Merrill Maxfield of Salt Lake City, Utah. The car has been used in various VMCCA (Veteran Motor Car Club America) events including the 1966 Western National Tour, the 1968 New York to San Francisco Transcontinental Reliability Tour, the Spirit of '76 Transcontinental Reliability Tour from Seattle to Philadelphia, and the 1985 Portland-to-Portland Transcontinental Reliability Tour.

This car is powered by a 280.6 cubic-inch Continental four-cylinder engine rated at 37 horsepower (27.2 HP N.A.C.C. rating). There is a three-speed manual transmission and two-wheel rear mechanical brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019