1912 Hudson Model 33 Roadster

1912 was a big year for the Hudson Motor Company. The Model 20 was no longer offered, and the Model 37 and Model 54 were added. The Model 33 continued, now offered in a greater array of body styles - the most memorable being the 'Mile-A-Minute' Roadster. In total, there were seven body styles available to the Model 33, which ranged from two- to 5 passenger vehicles. Power was from a four-cylinder L-head Monobloc engine that displaced 226 cubic inches and produced 33 horsepower. There was a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a wet-cork clutch, a semi-floating rear axle, and mechanical brakes on two wheels. In total, there were 5,708 Hudson Model 33s produced in 1912.

This 1912 Hudson Model 33 wears a coupe body by British coachbuilder James Young. It is believed that a mere six examples were built in 1911 and 1912 of this coupe style. In the rear is a single dickey seat. The window operation is based on English railway carriage design, and the interior is finished in shades of brown cloth and carpet.

In 1989, this car became part of the Schmitt Collection. The prior owner was David and Dorothy Rice of Pasadena, California. They had owned the car since the 1950s. It currently wears a restoration that is about 25 years old.

In 2008, this Model 33 Coupe with Dickey Seat was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, CA. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $110,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $66,000, including the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2010