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1937 Hudson Terraplane
Vendor supplied images
Highlights
- First registered in Southampton, 1937 as a Hackney Carriage
- Discovered in the late 80s as a barn find in poor condition
- Fully restored over three years, hitting the road again in 1992
- Winner of the Concours D’Elegance at the 1992 Leicester Mercury Historic Transport Pagent
- Winner of Best Restored Car at the 1992 Railton Owner’s Club rally
- Ex-wedding-hire vehicle, having done less than 1,500 miles since 2012
The Appeal
"On the sea that's aquaplanin’, in the air that's aeroplanin’, but on the land, in the traffic, on the hills, hot diggity dog, that’s terraplanin’!" - so Hudson advertised in 1933. It was a catchy tagline, but nothing could advertise the company’s Terraplane series more than them being powerful, inexpensive cars that were at home just about anywhere.
As time went on, the ever-enterprising and publicity-conscious Hudson Motor Company updated their designs accordingly, with the 1937’s streamlined, waterfall grille and broad arches creating a truly iconic, fast, sleek-looking motor that defied the stuffier pre-war designs rolling out of British factories.
This impeccable example of the legendary deco-styled vehicle was originally a Southampton Hackney carriage and was discovered as a barn find in 1987. Following a thorough restoration, winning two awards at shows and later becoming a hire car, this rare motor is now ready and waiting for its new life with a new owner.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in the Hudson-Essex factory under licence
- First registered in 1937 as a Hackney Carriage in Southampton
- At some point in its life, it was then placed in storage
- In 1987 was discovered in barn-find condition
- Subject to a multi-year restoration project (with a full photographic record)
- Winner of the Concours D’Elegance at the 1992 Leicester Mercury Historic Transport Pagent
- Winner of Best Restored Car at the 1992 Railton Owner’s Club rally
- Purchased by the current owner in 2017 as a Wedding Hire vehicle, as part of a Hudson fleet
- MOT tested in November 2022 at 61,825 miles with no advisories
- The car still indicates 61,825 miles on the clock
- This is a five-figure odometer, however, and can’t be verified
- The paperwork file includes:
- Original brown registration book
- Photographic record of restoration
- Registration certificate
- Newspaper clippings regarding the car’s show wins
- Selection of MOT certificates
- V5 document
The Interior
- Retrimmed burgundy red leather interior
- Attractive wooden dashboard with distinctive square dials
- Impressively presented carpets and headlining
As you’d expect from an ex-hire vehicle, this Terraplane has been beautifully kept in a heritage-style interior. Retrimmed fairly recently in deep red leather, the bench seats and door cards are in excellent order with no scuffs or tears we can highlight.
The wooden dashboard, beautifully lacquered to add a high-gloss finish, is in excellent order with no chips or cracks and a beautiful, flowing grain - framing a set of beautifully chrome-trimmed, squared-off instruments that are arranged in a circular pattern on the centre panel.
It’s all beautifully tactile, matched with a three-spoke steering wheel, chrome knob and the distinctive floor-mounted shifter. All of this appears to be in original period condition, with only the slightest signs of patina.
The headlining is newly fitted and looks to be in good condition, while the carpets are in great order, with no rips or tears. Round the back, the boot is in excellent order with a beautifully kept spare wheel.
The Exterior
- Cream paintwork, repainted from the car’s original grey
- Beautifully kept bodywork with waterfall grille and wide arches
- Original Hudson steel wheels
With its distinct deco style, waterfall grille and shining accents of chrome, the ‘37 Hudson Terraplane is a simply stunning piece of design. This example has wanted for nothing post-restoration, with every panel looking utterly resplendent, and the cream paintwork beautifully presented.
The paintwork appears to be in fine fettle, with no scuffs, scratches or blistering we can highlight, something that can be attributed to its low mileage in recent years. No clear signs of corrosion are visible, and there are no chips or paint losses to note.
The chromework, while carrying a soft patina of wear, appears to be in very good order with no peel or corrosion visible. The trims, Hudson branding and the headlight lenses all appear to be in excellent order with no missing areas, splits or clear signs of wear.
The car is sitting on its period-accurate branded wheels, picked out with contrasting red branding. It’s shod in a set of suitably vintage-style, new Dunlop whitewalls, which to our eyes appear to be in very good order. We understand that the car’s wedding-hire heritage means it was largely kept in dry storage and rarely ventured in the rain - leading us to believe the car’s underside to be in fine fettle.
The Mechanics
- Powered by Hudson’s famous ‘Powerdome’ 3164cc six-cylinder engine
- 3-speed manual gearbox
- Total output of around 101BHP
- Engine bay appears to still be in excellent order
- Recent work includes:
- All window glass replaced
- Replacement of braking system including new master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake shoes and all hoses
- 12v electrical conversion
For a nearly ninety-year-old car, this example appears to be in utterly excellent fettle with no major faults we can highlight. Always subject to regular maintenance, beautifully restored, and a rarely spotted sight in the UK - this is a superb opportunity for any collector.
Thanks to Hudson’s practice of supplying engine and chassis units to the Railton motor company, there’s also a surprising level of parts availability, making this stylish Terraplane a distinctly sound investment.
Summary
With the grunt of the Powerdome under the bonnet, you may well be surprised by how much the Terraplane can manage to keep up with modern traffic. Indeed, this one remains a highly versatile vintage that should turn heads no matter where it goes.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1937
- Make Hudson
- Model Terraplane
- Colour Cream
- Odometer 61,825 Miles
- Engine size 3164
Listing Details
- Seller type Private
- Town Newcastle
- Location Tyne and Wear
- Country United Kingdom
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