1921 Hudson Super Six

Phaeton by Fisher

The early 1921 Hudson models were carry-over 1920 models. The company continued to offer these vehicles as it prepared to introduce an updated line of vehicles. In September of 1921, the new models were introduced and featured a new interior with a new steering wheel and instrumentation. The H-shaped shifting gate was replaced with a rotating ball setup. The accelerator was moved from its position between the clutch and brake to the right side of the brake.

Outwardly, the updated styling included changes to the fenders and splash fields beneath the radiator.

The new Super Six engine was introduced in 1916, and it was a well-balanced and smooth machine. It had a counterbalanced crankshaft which was the work of Hungarian engineer and mathematician Stephen Fekete. It was conservatively rated at 70 horsepower, and it helped the Hudson Company set new records for transcontinental crossing, the Pike's Peak Hillclimb, and the mile at Daytona Beach.

This 1921 Hudson Super Six Speedster is powered by a 289 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine rated at 76 horsepower. There is a three-speed sliding gear manual transmission, two-wheel mechanical brakes, and a wheelbase that measures 125.5 inches. The four-passenger Phaeton body is by Fisher. It is believed that the car originally served as a San Francisco Police car prior to being owned by 20th Century Fox studios, before joining the William Harrah collection.

In 1984, the car was acquired by Mr. Bill Nichols of Orinda, California. While in his care, he performed a meticulous mechanical restoration, including re-boring of the cylinders, plus balancing and blueprinting to exact tolerances.

The current owner acquired the car in 2007 and then added a new Haartz cloth top. The side-mounted spare tires were removed in favor of a correct rear-mount arrangement.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Hershey, PA, sale presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $50,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $27,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: 330414

The Hudson Super Six models were introduced on December 1st, 1920, and the first Super Six models for the year 1921 were essentially carried over from the proven 1920 line. These cars retained the basic styling, instrument-panel layout, steering wheel, and classic H-pattern shifter of the earlier cars. In September of 1921, lightly updated models appeared for the remainder of the model years 1921 and 1922. Additionally, Hudson reduced prices twice in 1921 to help people better cope with the post-WWI depression.

For 1921, Calendar shipments of Hudsons reached 13,721 vehicles which nearly matched its 'junior' companion marque, the Essex.

Hudson offered seven body styles on the Super Six, including the two-door, four-passenger coupe. Priced at $3,275, it was advertised as a limited-production, premium model with a long waiting list.

This particular example is a first-series 1921 model with rare aluminum coachwork. It was acquired by the Hostetlers in July of 1988 from Marvin Whitsett north of Sellersburg, Indiana. It is believed the car was purchased new by a physician in Evansville, Indiana. In the 1980s, it was owned and restored by William N. Bryant, with the work being completed under Mr. Whitsett's direction.

This car has a floor-mounted heater outlet, Boyce Moto-Meter, period-style 'No Skid' tires, folding front-passenger seat, dome lighting, and privacy blinds.

Biddle and Smart were coachbuilders who produced a number of bodies for Hudson beginning in 1923. This may have a Biddle and Smart body, but what is more likely is that this is a prototype or perhaps a special body commissioned by the first owner.

by Dan Vaughan