1932 Hupmobile Model I-226

An experimental automobile built by Robert Craig Hupp was completed on November 1, 1908. It would become known as the Model 20, and production of additional examples soon commenced by the Hupp Motor Car Company. The 'Hupmobile' Model 20 was popular, and several thousand examples were produced until 1913 when it gave way to the Model 32 which had been introduced the previous year.

Three of the four model designations offered for the 1932 Hupmobile were carried over from the previous year. The Series F rested on a 122-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by a 93-horsepower eight-cylinder engine. The Series H and V had a larger eight-cylinder engine offering 133 horsepower. The Series H had a 126-inch wheelbase and the Series V used a 137-inch wheelbase; body styles included a sedan and a Victoria.

The styling of the 1932 Hupmobile vehicles were courtesy of industrial designer Raymond Loewy and featured cycle-like front fenders, a distinctive grille, wide vee'd belt molding, and elegantly curved bodylines.

1932 Hupmobile Series I

The 1932 Hupmobile Series I had a 126-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 279.9 cubic-inch eight-cylinder L-head engine offering 103 horsepower and paired with a three-speed manual transmission with 'free-wheeling'. The suspension was comprised of a solid front and floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. Braking was via four-wheel mechanical drums. Body styles included a factory coupe, cabriolet, Victoria, or sedan.

O the 10,467 examples of the Hupmobile produced n 1932, 710 of those were the Series I.

Four-cylinder engines powered Hupmobiles through 1925 when it was replaced by an eight-cylinder model, followed by a six in 1926.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: I 5404

Robert Craig Hupp completed his first experimental Hupmobile in early November of 1908. Producing 16.9 horsepower, it would later become known as the Model 20. Early the following year the Hupp Motor Car Company put it into production. The car was successful and was superseded by the Model 32 in 1913, which had been introduced the previous year. In 1925, the reliable four-cylinder engine was completely replaced by an eight, which was followed by a six in 1926.

At the height of the Great Depression, Hupmobile offered four different models, with three being carryovers from the 1931 model year. A 93 horsepower eight-cylinder engine was placed into the Series F and it rode on a 122-inch wheelbase. A larger eight-cylinder engine was available, offering 133 horsepower, and was available in the Series H and V, which had a 126-inch and 137-inch platform, respectively. Sedans and victorias were the only body styles offered on the larger eights.

The only all-new offering was the Series I, fitted with a 103 horsepower engine and resting on a 126-inch wheelbase. It was available as a coupe, cabriolet, sedan, or victoria. Of the 10,467 Hupmobiles produced during the 1932 year, only 710 of these were the I-Series. Of those, only one example is left in existence.

In 1932, Hupmobile introduced an all-new design created by designer Raymond Loewy and featured cycle-like front fenders.

This Rumbleseat Coupe wears an older restoration and is powered by an L-head, eight-cylinder engine offering 103 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel mechanical drum brakes, and a 126-inch wheelbase. It was owned by the Harrah Automobile Collection for a period of time. It is finished in two-tone red with green pin-striping and a burgundy interior. The mileage indicates 53,844 miles and is believed to be original. It is equipped with chrome spoke wire wheels with red rims, wide whitewalls, dual side-mounted spare tires with full metal covers and mirrors, dual horns, and a set of Trippe lights.

In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the Hershey, PA auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $100,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $71,500 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan