1911 Hudson Model 33 Roadster

Hudson's first-year successes were followed by increased production and additional dealer shipments for the calendar year 1910. The Model 20 remained unchanged. Racing became a greater priority, and successful accomplishments followed, including a fourth-place finish and fastest lap at the October 1909 10-lap Massapequa Cup preliminary.

Howard E. Coffin's engineering improvements led to an entirely new Hudson for 1911, the Model 33. It retained the company's unique radiator-shell design and triangular Hudson emblem, with new high-crowned fenders and an expanded line of body styles resting on a larger 114-inch wheelbase platform. The prior Buba Company-manufacturing engine was replaced with a new 226 cubic-inch unit sourced from the Continental Motor Manufacturing Company of Muskegon, Michigan. The 33-horsepower engine worked harmoniously with the company's cork-faced, oil-filled clutch assembly.

Approximately 7,900 examples of the 1911 Model 33 were produced, and 6,486 examples were shipped to dealers during the calendar year. Along with sales in the United States, Hudson also opened a sales agency in Puerto Rico in 1911.

This 1911 Hudson 33 speedster was originally used to promote Hudson sales in Puerto Rico. It was driven for several days at 60 miles per hour in Puerto Rico to prove its reliability.

The Hudson speedster is custom-built on a race car chassis. A 33 horsepower, four-cylinder Buda engine powers the speedster-Hudson began producing their own engines just a couple years after this 1911 Hudson was built. It features a cork-faced clutch that is enclosed in an oil bath.

While playing golf in Puerto Rico in 1987, a Pennsylvania doctor named Dr. Warren D. Kislter of Chambersburg, PA, found out his golf partner owned a few automobiles, including this 1911 Hudson speedster. Shortly after, the doctor bought this Hudson (from Mr. Latoni in July of 1976), a Pierce-Arrow, and a Lincoln from his golf friend and had them shipped to the United States. Restoration began in 1984 at Ken Shields Auto Body of St. Thomas, PA. Much of the sheet metal, floorboards, and gas tank were refabricated during the restoration.

The current owner became interested in the Hudson at the Hershey show and bought it from the doctor on April 19th, 1991. Concours appearances include the 1991 Meadow Brook Concours and the 2011 Louisville Concours.

Currently, this Speedster is finished in yellow paint with black accents, white sidewall tires, large-diameter spoked wheels, monocle windscreen, brass lighting, oval bolster-type fuel tank, rear-mounted spare, and bulb horn.