'38 112 Convertible with twin exhaust

dave kastelic wrote:

Thanks for your reply Russell. I have a question for you regarding the number of 112's built in late 1938. How did you figure my car was one of the last 20 112's off the line since the serial numbers were based on when each finished car left the assembly line and not according to model?

That wasn't me, Dave . . . it was Rick. Part of Rick's quote:

"According to the info, the 1938 Hudson Model 112 vehicle serial numbers ran from 89-101 to 89-56040. Given the serial number of Dave's car - 8956021, it appears that his car was one of the last twenty 1938 Hudson model 112 vehicles built that year - so it is unlikely that it had yet been made when when the Indy 500 was run."

Point well taken. Who's to say that total production of 112's ended at the end of the production year (Sep. or Oct. of '38)? As a guess, I would say that it is most likely a very late car and made towards the end.

Dave-

I went back and re-read most of your original (?) post about the "rarest Hudson?".

Question for you: Is your car a Standard or Deluxe 112? Couldn't seem to locate the answer if it was posted before.

Jerry and Dave-

I'm sorry for the contradiction, but the following is what I turned up, having gone over everything late last night:

1) Total 1938 production was 51,078.
2) 50,270 of which were passenger cars and 6,588 were commercial vehicles.
3) Shipments were 43,682.
4) In 1938, there were 56 different models offered and 16 different utility models, a record for Hudson.
5) Model 112's, the star attraction for Hudson for '38 were introduced in January, 1938.
6) 112 Production for 1938 was 27,475.
7) After May 1, 1938, 112's were designated either Standard 112 or Deluxe 112. Both were Series 89.
8) Deluxe models included a wide band of stainless steel on the walnut grain finish of the dash and the steering wheel and column were colored to harmonize. Same color was applied to the window moldings of the closed cars.
9) A new feature in '38, and only on the 112's, was the front-hinged hood, which would become standard in '39.
10) A more attractive upholstery was used on the Deluxe models (although the convertibles were usually outfitted with leather interiors).
11) There were 8 different Std. 112 models and 8 different Deluxe models available.
12) Some of the accessories available were: Clutch control, Radio, Hub caps, tires, wheels, rear fender plates, electric hand, hill hold, heaters, defrosters, spare tire hose and fitting, side mounts, different colored fenders, sgl. or dual fuel pumps.
13) The '112' designation referred to the car's wheelbase.

Dave-

The reason for my question about your car being the Std. or Deluxe model: The pace car and all subsequent cars offered to race and timing officials were the Deluxe versions. It seems other than the interior appointments, no other differences seperated the two models (Std. and Deluxe). Either this was simply a marketing ploy, (noting the very subtle changes), or as it was introduced on May 1st, it might have been a way to set the race vehicles apart from the herd, and was continued throughout the year. If a customer wanted the same car that was used at the 500, then they would have to "step up" to the Deluxe version.