Vehicle Description
1929 Hupmobile Century 6
Robert Craig Hupp was born on June 2nd, 1887, in Grand Rapids, MI.
In 1902, Robert began working for Olds Motors. In 1906 he joined
Ford Motor Company where he gained knowledge in many automotive
areas. In 1908 he left Ford. With his brother Louis, he began
seeking financial backing, rented a factory at 345 Bellevue Avenue
in Detroit, and began creating a demo vehicle. By 1909, the
Hupmobile was created. It was first shown to the public at the
Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle was a two-seater roadster with an
86-inch wheelbase. The $750 sticker price included the 17
horsepower four-cylinder engine and sliding gear transmission.
A not often seen or even remembered automobile this consignment
comes to us fully restored in excellent Hupmobile condition.
Beautifully designed, an excellent color combination and many
features make this a truly high end car for its time. Most likely a
chauffeur driven car it has a very much original interior with
amenities, and a flat 6-cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual
transmission, and wooden spoked wheels to die for.
Exterior
Funny thing about these cars is that there is no badge or moniker
on this car that actually refers to it as a Hupmobile. Only a
series of cast badging on the radiator front, and hubcaps showing
in an H logo with shields etc. This is due to the owners having a
dispute with former investors who forbade the original Mr. Hupp to
use the actual last name when they split up. A handlebar mustache
styled front bumper grabs our eye and entices us to look further
into this wonderful vehicle. Large round headlights flank a chrome
edge banded radiator surround with the cast H badge and a plain cap
on top. Nicely applied neutral gray paint is covering the straight
steel that clads the exterior of this car. On the venting of the
cowled hood and around other seams a deep maroon pinstriping
defines the edges and sections of this car. A black vinyl top for
the long roof, which culminates in a curved rear metal section to
hold the rear glass and back of the car together. Black surrounds
for all the windows and in front, a small black metal visor shades
the windscreen. Curved exterior mounted fenders use the running
boards in the center to come together to create the entry for all
the passengers front and rear. These are bathed in contrasting
black with rubber runners. This black migrates to the lower rockers
on the car which adds a nice one overall to the sides. A single
stalk mounted taillight hangs off the driver's side rear. A shiny
beautifully curved in the center dual bar rear bumper frames the
white wall spare mounted to the back of the car. Excellent restored
wood spoked wheels in their natural wood state, sport thin
pinstriping and have H badged octagonal shiny hubs in their
centers. All 4 corners are wrapped in thin tires with white
sidewalls.
Interior
A swing of all 4 doors which share a common B pillar reveals a
broadcloth gray fabric for the door panels and ornately carved and
shaped cranks and handles in brass with silver carved escutcheons
are within this broadcloth field. Slipping inside we have deep gray
mohair with tuck and roll padding and buttons as some extra
texture. A curved front bench stretches across the dash, and in the
back plenty of legroom is there for the taking on the rear bench
which also is mohair. This bench has curved armrests on either side
while all the remaining interior surfaces are dark gray mohair
broadcloth. One has to adore those ornate door handles and window
cranks throughout the interior. Also roll shades on rear glass, in
excellent condition can be pulled down for extra privacy. A long
footrest is also provided for the rear passengers. Up front on the
dash, which is the definition of ornate, has faux wood grain
painted metal with a curved overhang and flat dash front. In the
center is another carved cast silver instrument panel, and not
looking much like an instrument cluster, but more like a work of
framed art deco art which happens to be housing rectangular gauges
which are flanking a central shield styled wheel speedometer and
rectangular odometer. Above more attention to detail is a clock
inserted into the rear-view mirror. Floors are covered in gray
carpeting and even an art deco styled gas pedal is present. Also
seen is a heater box so this car can be used in the depths of
winter to shuttle the passengers comfortably.
Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a fully restored 212ci inline 6-cylinder
mill. No rust or any water damage here all looking spiffy even down
to the chrome horn mounted on the side of the engine. It is fed by
a single 1-barrel Stromberg carburetor, and has a 3-speed manual
transmission on back, with a 4.70 rear axle.
Undercarriage
Well preserved black metal framing supports the engine and
suspension and clean rust-free body hangers. A section of wood is
inserted for the floor of the passenger compartment, but this
remains excellent condition. Mechanical drum brakes are on all 4
corners, and leaf springs provide the ride. All rust-free metal,
painted black throughout.
Drive-Ability
After a slight crank she fired up and on our test track jaunt it
worked perfectly. Nice smooth acceleration, decent mechanical
braking, and smooth shifting through the gears. A comfy driver in
which one could take a long trip and remain comfortable
throughout.
Just a rare find and in excellent condition it is in even rarer.
Definitely worth a look for the enthusiast who wants something
different, and after you get it, you'll still have to tell everyone
what it is due to the usage of the owners last name being
prohibited! It's a Hupmobile. Enough said.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
