1910 Hupmobile Model 20

The first Hupmobile was created on November 1st, 1908, built by Robert Craig Hupp, a veteran of the auto industry. Hupp had worked for Regal, Olds, and Ford but had decided to design and build his own interpretation of the automobile. His first creation, the Model 20 introduced at the 1909 Detroit Auto Show, was a two-passenger runabout that sold for around $750. A four-cylinder engine provided just under 20 horsepower and a sliding gear transmission sent the power to the rear wheels.

With a price of $750, it undersold the Ford Model T. Production began in March at the newly organized Hupp Motor Car Company. Production was strong in its first year, with 1618 examples being created. The following year, additional body styles were added to the lineup, including a two-passenger torpedo, a four-passenger touring car, and a four-passenger coupe. The Model 20 was joined in 1912 by the larger Model 32. Production of the Model 20 would continue through 1913, by which time a long-wheelbase version was available.

Production continued until the 1940s when the company was forced to file for bankruptcy.

by Dan Vaughan

Runabout

Company founder Robert C. Hupp had already worked for Ford and Oldsmobile when he decided to produce a reliable motorcar that was both economical and offered more standard features than the competition. He introduced his inexpensive, well-made, and well-equipped Hupmobile Runabout at the Detroit Auto Show in February 1909 and was soon in full production. The last year of Hupmobile production was 1941.

In 1910, Hupmobile produced 5,340 vehicles. Pricing was set at $750.

Runabout

Hupmobile started production in 1909 with the Model 20. It had a 20-horsepower, 4-cylinder, water-cooled engine with a 2-speed sliding gear transmission. It was light, nimble, sporty, fast for the day, and could be considered among the first sports cars. Its only shortcoming was its ability to climb steep hills due to having only a 2-speed transmission, earning the nickname 'Up No Hill.' It had an 86-inch wheelbase and was available only with a roadster/runabout body. Production was 1,618 cars in 1909 climbing to 5,340 in 1910. The price was $750, $150 less than the comparable Model T Ford. In 1912 Hupmobile introduced the larger 32 horsepower Model 32 starting their trend towards progressively larger more powerful cars. The last year for the Model 20 was 1913. Hupmobile produced a wide variety of models until 1941 when production ceased.

This car was acquired by the present owner in 1985 in Elgin, IL. It was in a rough condition requiring a full restoration. In addition to the usual paint, top, and upholstery it had missing and badly deteriorated parts both driveline and body. It was necessary to fabricate more powertrain and body parts from old manuals and parts borrowed from other Model 20s. Even the radiator and wheels required fabrication from scratch. The restoration took 7 years to bring it to its present beautiful condition.

Runabout
Chassis number: SC134PA

This Hupmobile Model 20 Runabout was acquired by the Merrick Auto Museum in 1993. It is finished in dark blue with white pinstriping. There is a black cape top, a brass-framed accessory windshield, brass acetylene E&J Auto Lamp headlamps, and E&J brass oil-fueled taillamps and side lamps. There is a compact oval fuel tank located between the body and the spare tire. The seat is upholstered in plain black leather. The cream wood-spoke artillery wheels have blue striping.

by Dan Vaughan

Robert Craig Hupp had worked with Olds, Ford, and Regal before he built his own vehicle in November of 1908. It was a two-seat runabout powered by a four-cylinder water-cooled engine. It was introduced at the February 1909 Detroit Automobile Show where it was displayed as the 'Hupmobile Model 20.' Pricing was set at $750 which made it even less expensive than the Ford Model T. Production began in March at the newly-organized Hupp Motor Car Company.

During its first year of production, Hupmoible produced 1,618 cars. The following year they produced 5,340. Their height-of production was in the late 1920s when they sold 65,862 vehicles in 1928 followed by 50,579 the following year. As the Great Depression began to tighten its grasp on the economy, production fell to 22,183 for 1930 and by 1936, Hupmobile produced just 74 vehicles.

Production of the Model 20 would continue from 1908 through 1913. In 1908, it was available only as a runabout. By 1911, three additional body styles became available including a two-passenger torpedo, a four-passenger touring car, and a four-passenger coupe. In 1912, it was joined by a larger Model 32 which had a wheelbase size of 106 inches and a 32 horsepower engine.

1913 was the final year of production for the Model 20 (now called the Model 20-C) which still retained its 86-inch wheelbase and $750 price tag. It was now only available as a runabout.

by Dan Vaughan