Highlights

Extremely rare 8-cylinder Utility Coupe
Extensive refurbishment completed within the last 12 months
Part of a private Hudson collection for nearly 30 years before current ownership
Predominantly dry stored indoors throughout its UK tenure
Imported from the USA and now registered on UK plates

The Appeal

Hudson managed to defy the Great Depression with startling ease. Their cars were bigger, better built, more innovative and more spacious than many machines on the market, and nowhere was this more obvious than their shapely, glamorous 'doctor's car' - the Series 74, or 'DeLuxe Eight'. Clinicians loved them, certainly, but they were perfect executive machines for any class of businessman and became the gold standard for the travelling salesman.

Thanks to its impressive L-Head 8-cylinder plant, it was an impressive operator, too. Hudson Eights broke no more than 38 records and clocked up plenty of motorsport success in stock races and beyond. At Bonneville, a Hudson Deluxe Eight covered 2,104 miles in 24 hours at an average speed of 87mph.

Also of note is the legendary Utility Coupe spec, a lesser-spotted Hudson Speciality. The car's boot boasts a pull-out pick-up bed that allows it to run merrily on its way with the boot open and bulky hardware piled up in the back.

This bright yellow example was purchased in Maine in 1996 and shipped to the UK to join a private Hudson collection, where it spent nearly three decades predominantly dry stored indoors and used only occasionally. Acquired by the current owner in 2024, it has since undergone an extensive refurbishment programme encompassing mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic work as detailed below. The engine is reported to have been rebuilt in the early 1990s before leaving the USA.

Finished in a vivid yellow that suits the period styling, this exceptionally rare machine is well worth any enthusiast's attention.

Key Information

Mileage: 4,200 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: UK (imported from the USA in 1996)
Technical inspection status: MOT/road tax exempt
Technical specs: 4,100cc inline eight-cylinder petrol, three-speed manual
Paperwork: photocopy of original State of Maine title held by the current owner

The Detail

Engine reportedly rebuilt in the early 1990s, though no supporting paperwork is available
The vendor reports the automatic choke operates reliably and the car starts within a few turns regardless of standing time
The vendor states the car runs with ample power and the straight-eight engine sounds very good
The vendor reports the underside is in very good condition
Small patch of stable corrosion noted at the bottom of the boot
Pull-out bed is in good order
A few minor stone chips present
Carpets and headlining both appear in good order
Instruments are clean and legible
Interior is standard with an added indicator switch
Master switch has been fitted; car remains on a 6V electrical system

In the last 12 months, the car has received:
- A full service
- New radiator manufactured and fitted
- New petrol tank
- Refurbishment of the dynamo
- New running boards
- New master cylinder
- New 6-volt battery
- New tyres
- Wiring work
- A good deep clean of the seats and door cards
All in all, this amounts to over £5,000 in investment

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ 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..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.