Vehicle Description
Advertised as the "Hudson Greater Eight," the 1931 Hudsons were
offered on the short Series T and long-wheelbase Series U chassis
with a wide array of 17 available body styles. Continuing with
power supplied by the eight-cylinder engine debuted the previous
year, Hudson once again was solely an eight-cylinder model line in
1931. Displacement was increased for the Hudson Eight's sophomore
year, now measuring 233.7 cubic inches with 87 rated horsepower.
The deepening Great Depression slashed production and sales at
Hudson to levels not seen since the post-WW I recession, yet
company management still felt the need for an exciting
low-production, sporty image leader. Hudson had previously offered
boat-tail roadsters sporadically in 1927 and 1929 on the Essex
chassis, with bodies attributed by some automotive historians to
Hudson's customary coachbuilding partner, Biddle and Smart. Again
in 1931, an Essex boat-tail roadster was offered. Since by this
time Hudson and Essex shared bodies, a Hudson boattail was created,
this time with bodies supplied by Murray, which employed famed
stylist Ray Dietrich at the time. The 1931 model year marks the
only time this body style was offered on a Hudson chassis, a
combination so rare it was never even listed in factory sales
literature. Only 12 are believed to have been produced and as few
as five are thought by marque authorities to remain in existence.
Rakish and adventurous with its tapered boattail body and
swept-back windscreen, this 1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boattail
Roadster, alternatively known a Sport Roadster, this extremely rare
example continues to benefit from a high-quality restoration
performed during 2007-2008 that continues to present very well
today. Accolades include a 1992 AACA (Antique Automobile Club of
America) National First Prize and CCCA (Classic Car Club of
America) National First Prize award (Badge No. 1770), attesting to
this vehicle's show career prior to when the restoration was
completed. By 2010, the Hudson was part of a significant private
collection and subsequently exhibited several times at venues
including the Concours d'Elegance of the Eastern United States.
Captivating in Red with Burgundy fenders and accents over rich
Burgundy upholstery, this Hudson Boattail Roadster remains handsome
and well-presented, notwithstanding some age-appropriate mellowing
of the show-quality restoration. Complementing the daring and
effective two-tone paint scheme are a new Black canvas soft top and
matching boot cover, attractively sculpted headlamps and unusual
oval cowl lamps, a Hudson radiator mascot, a chrome driver's side
spotlight, accent paint stripes along the beltline, and period
style black-wall tires on Burgundy wire-spoke wheels. The interior
compartment is inviting and handsomely trimmed throughout,
complemented by the wood grain steel dash and instrument panel, Art
Deco-inspired instrument housings. Additional highlights include
twin side mounted spares, a jaunty rumble seat and a pair of side
curtains for emergency weather protection. Underhood resides the
234 cubic-inch Hudson eight-cylinder L-head powerplant, with
correct finishes and components present. With so few examples
produced and known remaining in existence today, this wonderful
1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boattail Roadster will certainly be
welcome at a multitude of shows and classic tours. This CCCA Full
Classic also offers an unparalleled opportunity to be carefully
elevated to concours-ready condition as desired. One of the
greatest and rarest expressions of "Jazz Age" automotive style,
this 1931 Hudson Greater Eight Boattail Roadster is a fabulous find
for collectors and enthusiasts of great prewar American cars.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7018-1931-hudson-greater-eight-boattail-speedster/