Big Fun on the Highway, circa 1931

Jon B
Jon B Administrator
edited May 2012 in HUDSON
Here's an exciting chase scene from "The Big Gamble", 1931. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hRnLlVL6wnE The second car looks like an early 20's Hudson, maybe a limo? The moto-meter seems to have a white triangle in the center. Take a look and see what you think.

That's James Gleason, grand old character actor, behind the wheel, and Warner Oland (one of the Charlie Chans) in the back seat.

Comments

  • Lee ODell
    Lee ODell Senior Contributor
    For one thing: they sure were not afraid to go cruising I would like to see more of these older Hudsons at meets around here. When I see Hudson pictures at meets from down under I get excited looking at all those older Hudsons cruiseing over dirt roads, crossing streams and climbing up and down mountain passes. Thats more than a cruise its an adventure.
  • stev1955
    stev1955 Expert Adviser
    Thanks for posting that. Not to hijack this thread but how fast did Hudson's go back then? Our 30 Essex won't go over maybe 35 mph before the revs seem too high. But the engine is not rebuilt. Thanks again.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    It does look like an early 1920's Hudson. Stev1955 - early 1920's Hudson were capable of doing 60-70, at least. By 1929 they were capable of doing 80-90 and perhaps a bit more. Trouble back then was a lack of paved highways. I don't think I'd like to drive 80 or so on some of the highways they had back then.

    On the plus side there wasn't that much traffic so danger of collision wasn't all that great. In rural areas, howver, one had to be careful and watch for farmers (or whomever) coming out of side roads in the family Model T Ford.

    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
  • Marconi
    Marconi Senior Contributor
    Car that rolled appears to be a 24 to 26 Chrysler, cop car is a 25 to 27 Buick! Great clip!
  • stev1955
    stev1955 Expert Adviser
    Thanks Alex, great clip Jon B.
  • ESSX28-1
    ESSX28-1 Senior Contributor
    Hi Steve1955, I cruise my Essex at about 40 mph but I've fitted a high ratio diff from a Essex 4. I always felt with the original diff that 40 was a max in terms of engine revs
  • stev1955
    stev1955 Expert Adviser
    Thanks Dave for that information. I haven't checked the compression in this engine yet but it can't be too good after 82 years.
  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    Thanks, I enjoyed the clip. I will from now on look at the moto meters. I have probably missed a few early Hudson's by not paying close attentipon. Arnie in Nevada.
  • hudsonguy
    hudsonguy Senior Contributor
    If you ever get a chance to get a ride from Aaron Cooper (HET Pres.) in his '29 Hudson, you'll be amazed how fast the old ones can go! Of course, he's rebuilt the driveline, so everything is top notch mechanically, but it IS basically stock, and it FLIES!!!
  • Richie
    Richie Senior Contributor
    The good old movies, I love them. Great idea to post that Jon. Richie.
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