1931 Hudson Series U Phaeton

This Hudson spent many years in Panama. It was used as a taxi in Panama until it was purchased by an American who shipped the car to Baltimore. It later suffered an engine failure on a freeway. It was later acquired by Roger Beall of Lanham, Maryland. Upon its acquisition, it was in very poor condition. It was given a restoration and used by Mr. Beall and his family on many trips, including a vacation through Canada. The car was eventually acquired from Mr. Beall to the Harrah Collection, where it was displayed for many years until it was sold in September 1985 to Donald Arnett of Long Beach, California. In September 1994, Mr. Arnett sold the Phaeton as part of a five-car package to William T. Gacioch of Orchard Park, New York, who sold it at the AACA Hershey Fall Meet to Eldon Hostetler on October 7, 1994.

When Mr. Hostetler purchased the car, it was finished in two-tone paint and powered by a later-model eight-cylinder engine. A complete restoration followed, performed by the Appenzeller Brothers of Milford, Indiana. During the work, the original paint colors were discovered. The work included a complete repaint and re-upholstery, and a correct 1931 eight-cylinder engine was located and installed, the instruments were rebuilt, and the wheels were replaced. After the work was completed, it was shown at the 1996 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance and later at the 2008 Milwaukee Masterpiece.

This Greater Eight Seven-Passenger Phaeton is equipped with a chrome grille guard, Pilot-Ray lights, twin side-mounted spares with mirrors, cowl lamps and a bold stanchion-mounted spotlight, wind wings, rear stop light, and a luggage rack with covered trunk in place.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2019