- Popular lightweight model from Hudson
- "Land flying," popularized by Amelia Earhart
- Last of the Essex brand
"I christen thee Essex Terraplane." Thus spoke Amelia Earhart, the
famed aviatrix, as she smashed a bottle of champagne on Hudson's
innovative new model on 21 July 1932. "Land Flying, that's what
Terraplane is!" said the press release, invoking the aviation
themes conjured up by Charles Lindberg's 1927 single-handed
transatlantic flight and Ms. Earhart's own solo crossing that
May.
Essex was Hudson's lower-priced companion car and had promptly
proved itself by outselling its parent and excelled by reaching
third place in sales for 1929. Alas, the competition was getting
tougher and the Great Depression deeper. The key component for
Terraplane was lightness. A narrow track was selected in order to
use less steel, thereby keeping weight down. The chassis itself had
a cruciform architecture, with the internal crosses perforated by
large holes. The result was a weight of barely 2,000 pounds, a full
700 less than its Essex forebear. Helpful, too, was Hudson's
advanced metallurgy, which allowed thin wall casting long before
the major manufacturers took it on. The engine was the same
173-cubic-inch L-head six from the Essex, but Terraplane's leanness
gave it extra pep.
This 1933 Model KU Terraplane Deluxe Six was acquired by the
Merrick Auto Museum in 1993. Prior owners include renowned
collector Zach Brinkerhoff of Denver, Colorado. The recipient of a
1,200-hour-plus restoration, it presents well with ochre body and
brown fenders. Upholstery is pleated brown cloth, and the
instrument panel combines body color with wood-grained panels.
Silver wire-spoke wheels carry 5.25-18 blackwall tires. The spare
is mounted at the rear.
Terraplane sold nearly 40,000 cars for 1933, after which the old
Essex model was discontinued and its name dropped from the
Terraplane brand. Short-lived as it may have been, the concept of
"land flying" still stands true.To view this car and others
currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/hf19.
