1936 Hudson Custom Eight

The Hudson Motor Car Company came into existence in 1909 and produced vehicles until 1957. It was created by Howard Coffin, George W. Dunham, and Roy E. Chapin. Based in Detroit, Michigan, the company had its most successful year in 1929, when it produced and sold over 300,000 vehicles. From 1942 through 1945, the Hudson Corporation did its patriotic part by manufacturing war materials, such as naval engines and aircraft parts, during the Second World War. After the war, the Company had its share of ups and downs before it merged with Nash Motors in January 1954, when it became known as American Motors. The Hudson plant closed while the production of Nash vehicles bearing Hudson badges continued. The brand name ceased to exist after 1957.

The Hudson Motor Company enjoyed much success in its younger years. During the 1920s, it continued to build upon its reputation through its solid and reliable Six and Super Six models. Hudson would rank in the top five of the automobile industry until 1930. Its affordable four-cylinder Essex was credited for much of the company's success. The Hudson marque lacked an eight-cylinder engine, and as more marques were upping the ante, Hudson decided to enter the race. In 1930 they introduced the Hudson Eight, a name suitable for the vehicle. The cars were elegantly styled and backed by a potent power plant. In 1936 performance improved even further with the introduction of hydraulic brakes for the first time on the Eight.

Hudson models for 1936 included the Custom Six, Custom Eight, and Deluxe Eight. The Custom Six rested on a 120-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by an L-head inline-6 with a 212 cubic-inch displacement, a chrome alloy block, three main bearings, mechanical valve lifters, and delivered 93 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. In the front was a solid axle with two radius arms and softer leaf springs. Prices ranged from $755 to $810. Styling embraced a more rounded theme with a slanted and curvaceous grille, bullet headlights, and sloping fenders.

The Custom and Deluxe Eight rested on a 120- and 127-inch wheelbase, and styling was similar to the Custom Six. Custom Eights wore full-size wheel covers, while the Deluxe Eight had smaller hubcaps. Prices ranged from $760 to $880 for the Deluxe Eight, while the Custom Eight ranged from $845 to $975.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 65-1764

Founded in 1908, the Hudson Motor Company enjoyed great success as one of America's leading manufacturers in its early years. Hudson's reputation was based on the solid and reliable Six and Super Six models during the 1920s. When, in response to a trend towards engines of straight eight-cylinder configuration, Hudson introduced the appropriately named Hudson Eight in 1930, Hudson's reputation for performance continued. In 1935, Hudson introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time on its Eight. One of only six known survivors, this Series 65 Hudson Custom Eight has 113 hp, a 254 cubic-inch L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Carter 330S carburetor, radial safety control front suspension, and semi-rear floating rear axle, four-wheel Duo-Serve hydraulic brakes, and a wheelbase of 120 inches.

The standard equipment found only on the Custom Eight series includes the large wheel covers, a banjo-style steering wheel, a radio with an under-the-running-board antenna, and a cigar lighter. This Convertible Coupe also sports various optional equipment, including fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. It also features disappearing roll-down wind wings. Complementing these features are the Glacier Blue exterior and detailed brown interior. A rare survivor, this Hudson Custom Eight has been restored to concours condition.

Convertible Coupe

As America struggled to break the grip of the Great Depression, carmakers were breaking their ties with the boxy designs of the past, and the Hudson Motor Company was among the first to do so. The 1936 model year marked a design transition for Hudson - all-new cars with lines that were more flowing and less angular. Though positively perceived for its excellent six-cylinder engines, Hudson responded to the onset of the Depression by trying to move upmarket, a decision that led company management to drop its sixes in favor of a new in-line eight.

Hudson called it the 'Great Eight,' but with just 80 horsepower from 213 cubic inches, less displacement than the sixes it replaced, greatness was hard to see. The Great Eight was soon replaced by the Greater Eight, and by 1936 its displacement had expanded to 254 cubic inches and output to a more respectable 113 horsepower.

This yellow convertible turned up in Arizona in 1971, where it was acquired by Phil Kuhn. After spotting the car, the current owner expressed interest in buying it, and kept on expressing interest for several years before Kuhn finally agreed to sell.

In addition to good looks, this convertible is loaded with just about every accessory Hudson made available in 1936, including a radio, clock, rumble seat, twin spotlights, twin fog lights, and fender skirts.

Touring Sedan
Chassis number: 3037

Hudson logged 25,409 shipments for 1936 and 123,226 units in all, counting Terraplane and Commercial vehicle shipments. They earned $3.3 million in profits, an astonishing accomplishment during the historically poor economic times. Part of their success was due to the highly revamped cars for 1936. They had a modern design motif, including rounded surfaces and high domed fenders with a 'waterfall' style grille in the front. All Hudon series rode on a longer-wheelbase chassis with wider bodies than in previous years. In 1936, the company introduced many technical advancements, including the adoption of hydraulic braking with a mechanical backup unit operating the rear brakes if the brake pedal exceeded ¾ of its maximum travel. The 'Axleflex' independent front suspension offered in 1935 was replaced with Hudson's Radial Safety Control, using a solid front axle, delivering steady steering response and stability with a smoother and softer ride.

This particular vehicle is a Series 67 Custom 8 Touring Sedan. It was the company's most expensive model that year, priced from $975. Its wheelbase measures 127 inches, and it came equipped with the 'Electric Hand' pre-selector shifter, a 'banjo' steering wheel, radio, dual side-mounted spares, dual external chrome horns, rear fender skirts, full chrome wheel covers, wide whitewall tires, a bubble-style trunk suitable for large and bulky luggage, and period 'wig-wag' tail lamps.

This particular example is believed to have been owned from September 1939 by C.H. Mathewson of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, who last registered the vehicle in 1960. It was acquired a year later by its next owner via a wrecking yard in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, with intentions to restore it that were unfulfilled. In 1987, it was sold to George Nell of Hubertus, Wisconsin, who began a total restoration that was nearly finished but cut short due to his deteriorating health. The car's next owner was Eldon Hostetler, who purchased it in the fall of 1994 and had the restoration finished with the fitting of new upholstery and detailing of the engine compartment.

This car is powered by a 254 cubic-inch L-head inline eight-cylinder engine fitted with a single Carter carburetor. There is a three-speed manual transmission, a wheelbase that measures 127 inches, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 65-1764

This 1936 Hudson Custom Eight Convertible Coupe was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $120,000 - $160,000. It is the recipient of an 11-year restoration and is one of only six known survivors. It is finished with a Glacier Blue exterior with a brown interior. Standard equipment includes large wheel covers, a 'banjo style' steering wheel, a radio with an under-the-running board antenna, and a cigar lighter. Optional equipment in this car includes fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. There are disappearing roll-down wind wings and an L-head eight-cylinder engine displaces 254 cubic inches and produces over 110 horsepower.

This car has won an AACA President's Cup award, Best in Class at Meadow Brook, and an AACA Grand National 1st Place award. It recently won a Platinum Award for Pre-War Vintage 1925-1942 Automobiles at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance.

At the auction, this elegant beauty was rewarded with a selling price of $181,500 after the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Coupe
Chassis number: 65-1764

Founded in 1908, the Hudson Motor Company enjoyed great success as one of America's leading manufacturers. Hudson's reputation was based on the solid and reliable Six and Super Six models during the 1920s. When, in response to a trend towards engines of straight eight-cylinder configuration, Hudson introduced the appropriately named Hudson Eight in 1930, Hudson's reputation for performance continued.

In 1936, Hudson introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time on its Eight. One of only six known survivors, this Series 65 Hudson Custom Eight is powered by a 254 cubic inch inline 8-cylinder engine that produces 113 horsepower. This Convertible Coupe sports various optional equipment, including fender-mounted parking lights, an electric clock, and the 'Electric Hand' vacuum-electric transmission control system. Complementing these features is the Glacier Blue exterior.