Highlights

Comprehensive restoration completed in the late 1980s
Recently serviced with new battery and carburettor rebuild
Part of a private collection since 1991

The Appeal

By the 1920s, Hudson had already comfortably positioned themselves as one of the best car manufacturers in the world. The company were natural innovators, pioneering new tech and establishing standards for American motoring. The company's most successful line of the '30s was undeniably the Terraplane, with curvy styling and relatively impressive performance making for a very beguiling car - one that people were buying even during the Great Depression.

The Terraplane wasn't often marketed as a Hudson vehicle. It usually carried Essex branding, which was intended as being the signifier for their budget-conscious cars. It was a symptom of an incredibly complicated brand image, and by 1938 Hudson's big bods were well and truly tired of the Terraplane dominating sales records without carrying any Hudson badging.

The Terraplane thus spent its final year on the market as the 112 Business Coupe; a shorter (but still very identifiable) car with a lighter, smaller engine to suit those who didn't fancy shelling out for one of their larger six-pots. It was a huge hit all the same, of course - the car was simply too pleasantly designed to shake off its passionate customer base.

Today, the 112 Business Coupe is a very classic - especially on this side of the pond. It's a real pity that the likes of Hudson aren't more thoroughly represented in the UK, as they really are top notch cars, and we're sure this 112 will prove no different for the lucky buyer.

Comprehensively restored in the 80s, this car has been part of a private collection since 1991 and has recently been subject to work to get it back onto the road. The result, we're informed, is a fabulous, reliable classic that's ready to start exploring the network. We've no doubt its fine deco-style lines will garner plenty of admiration!

History and Paperwork

Built in 1938
Restored in the USA in the late 1980s, including body, interior, and engine rebuild
Shipped to the UK in 1991 by the previous owner
Part of a private collection until recently
Recently serviced and recommissioned
Currently indicates 57,890 miles on a five-figure odometer

The Condition

Impressive deco lines, picked out in a period-accurate two tone livery
Bodywork appears in very good order, thanks in no small part to the comprehensive restoration nearly 40 years ago
No sign of any dents, dings or substantial corrosion
Some blistering at the rear where the trunk meets the lip
Paintwork is very good with a nice shine
Some very gentle signs of wear here and there, commensurate with a dry, nicely kept lifestyle
Impressive painted grille and colour-matched wheels
Underside is solid and very nicely presented with no issues we can discern
Stepping into the cabin, the art deco theme and high quality restoration still shines
Seats, carpets and headlining were all newly fitted in the '80s and still look marvellous
Evocative instruments are all clear and legible
Some gentle patina to the interior brightwork and dashboard
We understand everything to be working as it should
Some patina to the heater casing

The Mechanics

2.9 6-cylinder Hudson 'Power Dome' engine
Manual transmission
Engine bay in good order
Recently subject to a full service
Recently fitted with a new battery
Brakes recently adjusted
Petrol tank cleaned
Carburettors rebuilt less than 6 months ago
Fitted with a master switch
Reportedly drives and brakes as it should, with no issues reported during vintage rallies
The vendor highlights that the car is reliable and a pleasure to drive, and well-suited for keeping up with traffic

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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