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 traveling salesman.

Thanks to its impressive L-Head 8-cylinder engine, it was an impressive performer, too. Hudson Eights broke no fewer than 38 records and racked 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 Specialty. The car's trunk boasts a pull-out pickup bed that allows it to run merrily on its way with the trunk 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 program 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 gasoline, 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 seller reports the automatic choke operates reliably and the car starts within a few turns regardless of standing time
The seller states the car runs with ample power and the straight-eight engine sounds very good
The seller reports the underside is in very good condition
Small patch of stable corrosion noted at the bottom of the trunk
Pull-out bed is in good order
A few minor rock chips present
Carpeting and headliner both appear in good order
Instruments are clean and legible
Interior is standard with an added turn signal switch
Master switch has been installed; car remains on a 6V electrical system

In the last 12 months, the car has received:
- A full service
- New radiator manufactured and installed
- New gas tank
- Refurbishment of the dynamo
- New running boards
- New master cylinder
- New 6-volt battery
- New tires
- Wiring work
- A good deep clean of the seats and door panels
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:

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