Value 1937 Hudson
Comments
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A somewhat better description would be needed. Photos would be helpful. Are you saying that everything is there, except the engine just doesn't run? Is the body sound, with no rust? Interior is decent? Or is the car intact, but partly sunk into a meadow somewhere?0
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Like Jon suggested more pictures would help. Your location is always helpful too.0
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Are you buying or selling. It makes a big difference-although it should not. My goal is to always buy high sell low and work on volume...
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Brownie, LOL. I know the feeling.0
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Pictures attached. Surface rust and underside of car has 40 plus years of Wyoming roads and grease. Last ran in early 80’s. 0 -
Been garaged most of the life and since 1980, garaged for sure everyday and night. Rear brake one side is bad. Just to get engine running. Assume block and heads are good, carb rebuild and ignition system redone. How much you think?0
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Here are more details, engine, interior and from suspension 0 -
I can't help with a value but WOW what a lovely looking car; rescue it please
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I would hazard a guess of maybe $4,000, but I am not an appraiser. Here are the potential good and bad points:
GOOD:
The body is in extraordinarily good condition with no visible dents or rusting. A BIG plus! I assume the frame is good too, since it's a Wyoming car.
It appears to be (as you say) very complete, and even includes the optional radio. And possibly that center bumper guard is original (if so, the "lines" in the guard would match those running along the bumper). I couldn't see if it has a clock but that would add to the value.
It's an eight-cylinder; if the engine's in good shape (even though it doesn't currently run), that's a plus, too.
There is a very slim chance that the original owner ordered this with the scarce high-speed rearend, since the car was bought in Wyoming, which would be a HUGE plus, since
NOT SO GOOD:
It's a coach ("brougham", Hudson called it) which makes it not as desirable as a coupe but a bit more interesting than a 4-door. This isn't really a "minus", but more like a "neutral".
It's a Hudson, not a Packard or even a Chevy. While we Hudson people are aware of the great quality of these cars, most people are not. So you'll have to compensate by advertising it more widely than if it had a more popular (or a snooty-er) brand name.
The fender lights aren't original. No big deal, but it would have been another big plus if it had the original factory ones.
It doesn't run. If it ran and drove, that would boost the price significantly. But if the engine is undamaged (no cracked block or scored cylinders) it's a good solid basis for fixing up. Of course the clutch will be stuck, the valves also, and the oil pan will be full of gunk, but those can be remedied fairly easily.
It's dirty. It'll bring more if you clean it up. The paint, underneath all that dust, looks good to me.
All things considered, there is very little to complain about, in this car.
If you go to sell it, don't just advertise in the local Craigslist. Place an ad in Hemmings Motor News, mention it here at the Forum, and put an ad in the Hudson club's White Triangle News (which you can do for free, if you enlist the help of a Club member like me). You need to let plenty of people know about this, especially Hudson people. Bring all your questions to us, there are specialists in all eras of Hudsons at this forum, who can answer your questions.
With any luck, someone can jump in here and give a more accurate idea of the car's value.
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Here is the evaluation from Collector Price Guide a few years back.
I don't think the price has changed that much.
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Old cars report from February num.6 1060 num.5 3180 num.4 5300 num.3 11930 num. 1 is 26500. That’s there take on the market .0
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not sure on the data you are showing, reference to the columns heading and what the num.6 through num.1 means. so if could get the car for $3500 to $4000, buy it from what I'm understanding the data is showing?0
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Here's what Hagerty Insurance says about the rating numbers:
NO. 1: EXCELLENT
Restored to current maximum professional standards of quality in every area or perfect original with components operating or appearing as new; a 95-plus point show car that isn’t driven.NO. 2: FINE
Well-restored or a combination of superior restoration and excellent original; also, an extremely well-maintained original showing very minimal wear.NO. 3: VERY GOOD
Completely operable original or “older restoration” showing wear; also, a good amateur restoration, all presentable and serviceable inside and out. Plus combinations of well-done restoration and good operable components or a partially restored car with all parts necessary to complete and/or valuable NOS parts.NO. 4: GOOD
A drivable vehicle needing no or only minor work to be functional; also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be “excellent,” but the car is mostly useable “as is.”NO. 5: RESTORABLE
Needs complete restoration of body, chassis and interior; may or may not be running, but isn’t weathered, wrecked or stripped to the point of being useful only for parts.NO. 6: PARTS CAR
May or may not be running, but is weathered, wrecked and/or stripped to the point of being useful primarily for parts.Personally, I would take these "value guides" with a large grain of salt. There are so few cars of this era being sold each year -- especially Hudsons -- that there is no way to establish an accurate estimate of value. Maybe 3 or 4 1937 Hudson Eight broughams were sold in the U.S. last year. And the prices were all over the place. It is another matter completely, when you are talking about late model Toyotas, of which thousands are sold yearly. Antique cars are strictly "supply and demand".
Sorry, I thought you were selling this car and was giving my advice based on that erroneous assumption. If you buy it and intend to hold onto the car, I strongly suggest you join the H.E.T. Club, it will be invaluable in your search for technical or historical information, parts, and for fellow owners (who can offer you essential advice and assistance). The website is here: http://www.hetclub.org/
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I’ll definatly join the club. First have finish the buy and figure out plans to get this one started. Thanks all for the information!0
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Maruefer, This car is a very nice survivor car. The condition is much better than the 4 or five defined by the collector price guides. I think you are good on the price you are talking about. A lot of times, folks grab up a car like this and start a contest with themselves, perhaps for bragging rights, to see how fast they can get them to run. I have no problem with that if the car was built after 1960, I would suggest with this car that you take your time, pull the engine, do a rebuild, fully restore the braking system and go through the drive train before you put it back on the road. As an 8cyl car this is a true gem. The old adage: Make it stop, make it go--then make it pretty applies with this car. As clean as this car is, I doubt that I would ever restore it. Give us a ball park on where are you located. Side comment on the fender lights: Hudson used a fender light that was a bit different and stood somewhat on a stand much like a torpedo. Most car manufactures went away from fender lights about this time. This set are period correct and if I were a betting man, I would say that they were installed by the dealer. They are very attractive and I would keep them just where they are.
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Fast and furious is not my style. More like slow, get off the road and take breaks. Location of car is SW Wyoming. Finalize deal tonight. My plan is evaluate first, clean as much I can do, then get estimates on engine and brakes. I’m amazed the parts avaiibility on maintenance items for these cars but that shows Hudson did what most car manufactures do, use vendors instead of custom and inside builds.
Car will be moved to the Las Vegas area for repairs and storage. Wife asked me what name to call this car. LaLa comes to mind.0 -
Here is a question, hood ornament. Would anyone have the 3D dimensions or drawing specs? Will need one and I’m sure I could 3D print. Someone could do a mold and then laser view that mold into a 3D digi file. That tech should be a game changer on restoration once the metal laser printers get to more of a mainstream item instead of use in the aviation world only.0
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The eight cylinder engines are expensive to rebuild, but if money is no object.....0
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maruefer-
What a great find! That appears to be a perfect restoration candidate.
All Hudsons are "rare". Most folks just don't realize how rare. Some production insights:
1937 was a good year for HMCC, before the recession hit in '38. Production was 111,000, the vast majority of which was Terraplanes. Hudson production (off of the top of my head) was about 10% or less of total production. With many body styles available and 6's and 8's available, the Hudson 8 was the top of the line. With a typical 1% survival rate, it's fair to say that there are only a few dozen '37 Hudson 8's out there and probably a couple handfuls of these 2DR Broughams.
Some Pros and Cons:
CONS
1. It's a 2DR Brougham. Even though there are so few, this body style is probably not an investment, but rather a labor of love as far as restoring it goes, which goes along with 2 . . .
2. Cost. Even though Lala appears to be 95%+ complete and all there, it needs most everything if the goal is to return her to former glory. If the engine turns over by hand, then you could get her running fairly inexpensively. Rest of the mechanicals could be gone through also fairly inexpensively. New tires, fix the wiring (very important) and you could have a driver for maybe a cuppa thousand, or less. Or, you could spend 25 to 40K on a proper restoration, depending on how much you sub out and how much you can do yourself. Regardless, it shouldn't be viewed as an investment, if that is the goal (unless you keep her for a really long time).
3. Are you an old car person? Have you had old cars before? Do you have a garage for her to sleep in? Do you have the time/resources to maintain a classic vehicle? Not that this is you, but every single day many folks fall in love with a pretty face only to lose interest later in the middle of repair, restoration, regular maintenance, etc. Modern day cars really take very little regular maintenance, and what little there is to do, there's some shop or lube house to do it. Old cars require 100 times more maintenance and usually it's you or other old car friends to help you do it. It's a hobby, it takes time and effort and a love to put into the whole thing to make it work.
4. It's a Hudson (I know, I know this should be a PRO-- and it is, see below). But, I'm trying to be objective. The point is, there is no 1-800-Send-me-a Hudson-Part phone number to call. Yes, we have some good Hudson folks who double as vendors for some used and a few new parts, but you have to face the fact that you typically can't get parts from your local NAPA and doing parts scouring for a Hudson is more involved, takes longer to do, takes longer to obtain the parts and costs more. It's a Hudson, not a Chevy. My last Hudson restoration (which was in much worse shape than Lala) took finding and obtaining parts in what ended up being all 48 of the Continental U.S. and four different countries and consumed several year's effort.
5. It's a straight 8. Best to find out if the engine turns by hand before purchasing. You need to know that basically throughout the 8's life, from '33 to '52, it was basically the same engine from start to finish. The main feature of these engines, from a modern perspective, is that these are Babbitt engines. Babbitt bearings date back to mid-19th century, which was not only old technology in the 30's but ancient nowadays. There ARE still some folks who specialize in pouring these bearings (Model T's come to mind), but the Hudson engine really requires Babbitt specialists who understand the nuances of the Hudson engine. They are really far and few between now and the process, if required, is very costly.
PROS
1. IT's a HUDSON and a straight 8! How marvelous is that! Everyone and his brother has a '57 Chevy and that's great, but how many Hudsons show up at the car shows? Not many. Not only was Hudson one of the finest manufactured vehicles ever built in the US, but that 8 cylinder, when properly built, was the smoothest engine to ever come out of Detroit. Hands down.
2. It's a great car, that's virtually all there, great starting point. It hasn't been messed with, disassembled, had a lot of parts replaced that don't belong, etc. Great candidate.
3. IF you can get it for less than 5K, I personally think it's a great buy, even if the engine is froze and needs re-built.
Personally, my next Hudson, if I don't get a particular step-down I have my eyes on, is going to be a Pre-War Hudson 8. The're just great, smooth running and driving cars from a time when the journey was so much more important than how fast you got there.
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Lastly, about the hood ornament: There are some out there. If I remember right, the Terraplanes had the "carrot" and the Hudsons had the "wing", right? It would be fairly easy to get your hands on a good one, even a borrowed one to 3d Cad draw it, so it can be milled. The nice thing is, and many Hudson folks do this, is they take on a project like that and make, say 1/2-a-dozen to a dozen of them, sell them to other Hudson folks and, while they are not going to get rich with such a small market, can often cover their cost of doing some manufacturing and having their own part paid for. Just a thought. Some of these parts get done this way all of the time. Jay Leno does this probably on a weekly basis and has made many unobtainable parts for cars in his collection.0
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Best of luck in clinching the deal, this will be a great car just to get running, then drive around and have fun in! Don't sink a ton of money in it, for starters, just get it to stop / go as Brownie suggests.Eshelman plastics makes a lot of Hudson repro stuff. Not the '37 ornament but they might, in the future...you never know. http://partsbyemc.com/catalog/There are dozens of people like the Eshelmans, making Hudson parts out there, under the radar. I have a repro page that lists just some of them: http://www.detailedconcepts.net/Repro_Table.pdf
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A few years ago I restored an English Coachcraft built 1936 Hudson. It too was an 8cyl car. The good thing about todays restorations is that we have the internet. I remember searching junk yard after junk yard to find parts. Today you can find those parts in a heartbeat. I have rebuilt the 8's and the 6's. There are a few shops that do fantastic work on these and yes, they are a bit more cost than a standard SBC. For driving, I love the quiet efficient 8. For power I like the 308. Both are comfortable on the open road today. I just finished the restoration of a 1954 Hudson and I cannot emphasize how important the Hudson family and network of parts and knowledge is. I am excited that you are in the Western Regional of the Hudson Essex Terraplane Club. This means That I will get to see the car when you take it out. Evanston is not far away; and, is much closer than Las Vegas.
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I’m not a car guy to speak of but an in depth gas and steam turbine guy (mech, comp controls and electrical) so Babbitt bearings, an aspect I’m real familiar with, just a tad larger than automotive type. We use cranes to move upper and lower bearings around.
I really appreciate the insight from all replies. My friends and colleagues are also in the turbine world but with no doubt they would be the best automotive engineers and mechanics if that was their ambition. All things mechanical and electrical won’t be a problem either beyond budget spend boundaries.
Wife says a I need projects so this endeavor should suffice. I’ll post updates as this car moves towards road worthiness. Timeline underdetermined however.0 -
That all is very positive and will prove very beneficial to you. I'm sure you will be fine. Along with joining the club, you will have an outstanding network of contacts for info, parts, help and general knowledge. The Hudson Club is really the best part of owning a Hudson and many value the "Hudson Family" as the biggest and best part of Hudson fandom.maruefer said:I’m not a car guy to speak of but an in depth gas and steam turbine guy (mech, comp controls and electrical) so Babbitt bearings, an aspect I’m real familiar with, just a tad larger than automotive type. We use cranes to move upper and lower bearings around.
I really appreciate the insight from all replies. My friends and colleagues are also in the turbine world but with no doubt they would be the best automotive engineers and mechanics if that was their ambition. All things mechanical and electrical won’t be a problem either beyond budget spend boundaries.
Wife says a I need projects so this endeavor should suffice. I’ll post updates as this car moves towards road worthiness. Timeline underdetermined however.
Keep us posted on your purchase and your progress.0 -
Finalized tonight (4K) and verified engine is free in first and reverse gears. Car originally purchased by Sellers grandfather and actually garaged most of time. Last plated around 1975 or so from registration and plates found in garage tonight.
Sellers even has spare parts like shocks, lights, window glass and some Hudson manuals. He even had the extinguisher that cradled on the firewall.
This should be interesting. Joined the club today.0 -
Welcome to the H-E-T! When you get your roster you can find others with similar cars to yours, hopefully living not far from you. Actually, as a member you will have access to the H-E-T website which contains several things of interest. The most valuable is the on-line library which allows you to download manuals, parts lists, technical bulletins and sales literature. (I'm not sure of the precise method of signing in but I think the Club gives you a secret password or something.) The website is at https://www.hetclub.org/0
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Correct price. And nice ride. Enjoy0
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Congratulations and welcome to the HET Club. Love those 37's.0
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One more point I might mention. The HET club determined, when they started up, that there would be no judging. In my never to be humble opinion, it was a very good decision. Because of this, we see all stages of Hudson's, Essex's and Terraplanes on the road and at our shows. At a show a few years back there was a 51 Hudson fresh out of the barn. Everything on the car was original, wiring, hoses, clamps, paint, interior and so on. What a wonderful opportunity to view "total" origionality. The car is much the same today. I marvel each time I see it. Please be assured that whatever decision, and to what level you decide to take your new found love too; we, of the "family" will love it as much-if not more-than you do. Welcome and keep those photo's coming. You mentioned most of the work on the car will be done in Vegas. Matt Royer (you can get his name from any WTN (White Triangle News) is our fearless leader in that area; give him a call. Also, in November there will be the Hudson Economy Run over in Laughlin Nevada (details in the WTN). You might plan to visit us there.....
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