1932 Essex Terraplane Model K Sport Convertible Coupe

The Great Depression was a difficult time and the financial crisis had America's automobile manufacturers fighting for survival. Hudson's attempts included its 'junior' Essex marque split with the standard Essex line handling the low-price field, and the new six-cylinder Essex Terraplane line competed with Ford and Chevrolet buyers with its lower pricing, lightweight, and impressive performance. The new Terraplane cars were met with swift success, resulting in their name change the following year to simply 'Terraplane.'

Along with industry hype, and aggressive advertising by Hudson, the Terraplane enjoyed motorsport success by setting numerous hill climb records. The engine found in the Terraplane was the same six-cylinder unit used in the Essex, with lowered compression, a new downdraft carburetor, and a new three-point mounting system.

This example is a 1932 Essex Terraplane 2/4-Passenger Convertible Coupe that was purchased shortly after the public debut of the Essex Terraplane line by Hudson co-founder and top executive Roy D. Chapin and his wife, Inez, and used in Washington after Mr. Chapin's appointment as President Herbert Hoover's Secretary of Commerce from August 1932 to March 1933. This convertible was the only car Inez Chapin drove for nearly 25 years until her eventual passing in 1957. Their grandson, Roy Chapin III, drove it for several years as well. The car was willed to the Edison Institute of Technology at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan and when the Edison Institute was disbanded, the car was purchased by Pennsylvanian collector, Mark Smith, who in turn sold it to Eldon and Esta Hostetler in August 1993.

This Terraplane is finished in black with a black vinyl top piped in Maroon. There is unrestored, original-appearing Bedford Cord upholstery with the rumble seat upholstered in brown vinyl. There are dual chrome horns, a radiator grille, dual front-fender lamps, and a rear spare.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019