1919 Hudson Super Six Boat Tail speedster

1919 Hudson Super Six Boat Tail speedster

Founded in Detroit in 1909 by a group of eight investors, Hudson Motor Car Company got its name from one of their main backers; a successful Detroit entrepreneur named Joseph L. Hudson of Hudson’s Department store fame. The founders believed that having a prestigious name attached to their automobile would give them an advantage in the marketplace and from the earliest days it seemed like their plan worked, though much of their early success should be attributed to the excellent quality, yet affordable automobiles that rolled out of their Detroit plant.

As was common practice for many independent automakers, early Hudsons were powered by Continental-supplied engines. But in the 1916 model year, they branched out and began building engines of their own, and their first attempt was brilliant piece of work. The “Super Six” was a remarkably well engineered unit, an inline-six that featured a counter-balanced crankshaft – the very first of its kind used in an automobile. Thanks to that crankshaft, the Super Six could run exceptionally smoothly at higher RPM, with the added benefit of a drastically lighter flywheel for increased response. Hudson had also developed a dual-braking system and an oil bath gearbox and cork clutch which proved durable and easy to operate. Resulting performance was outstanding, and Hudsons soon earned a reputation for punching well above their weight. Hudson-based cars ran at Indianapolis and in other prestigious events around the world with some of their greatest motorsport success coming via the 1950s stock car races. As with all other American independent automakers, financial struggles spelled the end for Hudson, with the name disappearing from the ranks of AMC in 1957.

This exquisite 1919 Hudson Super Six Boattail Speedster is a smart little runabout that is loaded with magnificent details and outstanding performance. Starting with the main body, the cream-colored paintwork is accented with chocolate brown detailing on the frame and radiator grille.

Descriptions & pictures by hymanltd & ruotevecchie