1929 Hudson Model R

The 'Super Six' name was worn by Hudson vehicles since 1916, but in 1929 it was dropped, and the cars were referred to as 'The Greater Hudson.' Introduced in January 1929, the new-for-1929 bodies were longer, and the engines used for all Hudson six-cylinder cars in 1929 displaced 288.5 cubic inches and developed 92 horsepower. The L-head unit was paired with a three-speed sliding gear transmission (with overdrive), and stopping power was courtesy of four-wheel mechanical brakes. The suspension comprised a solid axle in the front and a semi-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs. The wheelbase of the Model R measured 122.5 inches. Sixty-four improvements had been made for the 1929 models, including hydraulic-double-action shock absorbers, self-energizing brakes, and 'silenced roof construction.'

The 1929 Hudsons had greater interior room thanks to bodies that were now four inches longer than before, with larger windshields of shatterproof glass and narrower A-pillars. Among the list of factory accessories were side-mounted mirrors, chromed wire wheels, a spotlight, a luggage rack and trunk, and twin side-mounted spare tires. Standard Hudson features for 1929 included an electric fuel and oil gauge, an 'electro-lock' anti-theft device, windshield wipers, and a rear-view mirror.

1929 was the year of the infamous stock market crash, yet Hudson Motor Car Company sales remained strong, ranking third in U.S. sales, and although much of that success was due to Essex, its 'junior' line, many forget that Hudson was considered a premier marque, combining lightweight coachwork and advanced engineer with a smooth and powerful six-cylinder engine.

Body styles offered on the Model R included coupes, sedans, and convertibles. The Coach and five-passenger Phaeton were built at Briggs, and the Victoria and Landau Sedan was designed by Murphy. The Murphy-designed seven-passenger Sedan, seven-passenger limousine, and club sedan were built by Biddle and Smart, along with the Biddle and Smart-built seven-passenger phaeton and sport phaeton.

For 1929, Hudson recorded 71,179 shipments of automobiles. With Essex and commercial-vehicle shipments, Hudson enjoyed its all-time best year in 1929, with much of that success attributed to Essex.

by Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2012