Vehicle Description
Upon its debut in 1932, the Essex Terraplane was one of the most
exciting new cars in America - second only to Henry Ford's new V8.
Initially, the new model sat within the Hudson Motor Car Company's
companion brand. The Terraplane was praised for its quality,
performance, and value; aligning it squarely within Hudson's
principles. As good a car as the Terraplane was, the marketing team
earned their due credit, ensuring high-profile national heroes
Orville Wright and Emelia Earhart received the first two production
cars. The car was so popular that by 1934, Hudson dropped Essex and
adopted Terraplane as its new junior brand. The car delivered
spirited performance for its class, which Hudson advertisers
appropriately referred to as "Land Flying." Terraplane cars
achieved notoriety at Bonneville, setting numerous 24-hour speed
records. The Terraplane line continued through the 1930s, selling
well and introducing features such as telescopic dampers and a
primitive independent front suspension to the low-cost car market.
By 1937, Hudson and Terraplane were very close in specification and
style, with the two cars looking nearly identical aside from
wheelbase and trim. Seventeen trim and body combinations were
available in 1937, with the base "Deluxe Terraplane" range starting
at $595, going all the way to the fully equipped "Super Terraplane"
range which maxed out at $880. Power came in the form of a 212
cubic-inch, 96 horsepower L-head inline six, with the option of a
high compression head to boost output to 107 horsepower. In either
form, the Hudson six was torquey, smooth, and exceptionally refined
for a mid-priced car. A major selling point was the full 55-inch
wide front seat; the industry's first true three-across seating. At
motor shows, Hudson gave out 55-inch long "yardsticks" so consumers
could test the difference themselves. Robust sales continued, with
over 83,000 cars shipped to dealers in 1937. Despite the relative
success, Terraplane's days as a separate marque were limited, as
Hudson absorbed them into the main line after the 1938 model year.
One of the rarest and most distinctive models in the 1937
Terraplane line is this 3-passenger Utility Coupe. One of just a
handful known to exist, this example is undoubtedly the finest of
its kind; subject to a no-expense-spared, concours-quality
restoration totaling $263,000. Outwardly, the Utility Coupe looks
like any standard 2-door coupe; however, its party-trick is
revealed in the trunk, which features a generously sized slide-out
cargo bed. Beautifully melding practicality and style into one
vehicle, it is a clever use of the copious trunk space and a clever
attempt at creating an all-purpose car. From a styling standpoint,
the pretty Terraplane's signature waterfall grille stands out as a
fabulous example of late Art Deco design, and the flowing curves
and full-figured fenders make for one of the most distinctive
styles of the era. Aside from its exceptional rarity, what sets
this Utility Coupe apart from nearly all other examples of the
marque is the astonishing restoration. Meticulously restored over
three years beginning in 2014, this Terraplane presents in
better-than-new condition. The lovely pastel green paint is
exquisitely finished, with precise panel alignment and crisp
detailing. Black artillery-type wheels with subtle red stripes wear
correct chrome hubcaps. Wide whitewall tires lend a bit of an
upmarket look. No detail was overlooked in creating the finest
Terraplane in existence. The brightly colored interior pairs
wonderfully with the exterior treatment, with the signature
three-across bench seat upholstered in rich, period correct
upholstery. Door panels and kick panels are covered in maroon
leather, and the dash finished in maroon paint. Authentic detailing
includes rubber floor mats, a correct molded rubber shift knob, and
a period-accessory Ingraham clock mounted to the steering column.
The spare wheel rides behind the seat, with the rest of the space
occupied by a useful parcel shelf. The exceptional detailing
continues under the hood. Hudson's "Powerdome" 212 cubic-inch six
presents with proper hose clamps, hardware, and wiring. Under-hood
sheet metal panels are beautifully finished, and the chassis and
undercarriage appear absolutely fresh. It has seen light use as
part of a large collection of significant automobiles, and it
remains virtually spotless inside and out. The sale includes a
large file containing restoration receipts, period advertisements,
and even a genuine Hudson/Terraplane "yardstick." As with many
commercial-oriented vehicles, attrition rates were very high as
these cars were worked hard and tossed aside when deemed obsolete.
The Terraplane Utility Coupe sold in limited numbers, aimed at
traveling salesman and tradesmen, the majority of them accumulated
many hard miles. Very few original examples remain, and there is
little doubt to this being the finest surviving example of its
kind. The next owner is sure to delight in its unique character,
charming presence, and exquisite condition.
