Help with ID

Unknown
Unknown
edited November -1 in HUDSON
There is a car body sitting "out back" in Grandpa's trees we would like to identify. We have no experience with Hudsons. There is a plate on the engine cowl wall that says Hudson Motor Car Co. Car No. 959885. Is this a number that can be used for year and model ID, or should I look for something else? It was a 2-door with "suicide" opening doors. It is a body only, no frame or drive train, so I can't get any help from those items. It is not in the best of shape, but we have toyed with the idea of trying to make a street rod from it.

Any information would be appreciated. I can get pictures if it would help, just tell me the angle you would need to see.



Thanks

Comments

  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    It's a 1939 (Series 95) Hudson Country Club Eight, which would be the long wheel base. Serial #s went from 95106 thru 9554902. Should have rectangular instrument pods. I have what's left of one of these out in the woods. Where is it and does it still cast a shadow?
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Thanks for the reply. I didn't realize it might be that old. I don't think there are any instruments left. What kind of engine did it have?

    I might head out for a look again, maybe get a few pictures and measure.

    Zip code 69212
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Would have had a straight 8 engine with Hudson Power Dome cast into the head. 3 bore 4 1/2 stroke putting out about 128 HP. Block was 32.5 inches long. Unique in that the water jacket was external to the engine on the left side.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    That must have been some unique engine. I never knew of one like that. I cut down some grass and took some pictures, not a lot left there. It has both doors and the trunk door, though they are not on. Driver side door is pretty rusty. Without a frame it's pretty hard to estimate wheelbase. From center of rear wheel well to the firewall is about 85" so I would guess somewhere in the 105-115" area for actual wheel base?

    I'll try attaching a side view picture, if you are interested in others I have front, rear, inside, and door pictures also.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    Oops! That looks like a 1934 Hudson Series LU Compartment Victoria. Quite a rare body. Would have had weighed 2895 and cost $875. The 254 ci 3 x 4 1/2 8cyl would have put out 108 HP Serial #s for those were 950000 to 968679. Nearest pic I have is a Terraplane which would be a 6 and have a shorter front end but looks like your body from the windshield back. I'll see if I can scan the pic and post it here.



    Ah, I think it looks like this.
  • rambos_ride
    rambos_ride Senior Contributor
    CT wrote:
    That must have been some unique engine. I never knew of one like that. I cut down some grass and took some pictures, not a lot left there. It has both doors and the trunk door, though they are not on. Driver side door is pretty rusty. Without a frame it's pretty hard to estimate wheelbase. From center of rear wheel well to the firewall is about 85" so I would guess somewhere in the 105-115" area for actual wheel base?
    I'll try attaching a side view picture, if you are interested in others I have front, rear, inside, and door pictures also.

    A really sweet looking body for a 2dr! It's like an extended cab on a coupe!

    It would be perfect for a hot-rod build - Don't let the rust discourage you and parts can be made for any rusty or missing sheet metal.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    Uncle Josh wrote:
    Oops! That looks like a 1934 Hudson Series LU Compartment Victoria. Quite a rare body. Would have had weighed 2895 and cost $875. The 254 ci 3 x 4 1/2 8cyl would have put out 108 HP Serial #s for those were 950000 to 968679. Nearest pic I have is a Terraplane which would be a 6 and have a shorter front end but looks like your body from the windshield back. I'll see if I can scan the pic and post it here.



    Oh darn - bitten again by the "serial number bug!!!" LOL ROF That serial number was for the Models LT and LU - these were at the bottom end of the lineup for Hudson in 1934. They were on a 116 inch wb. Only 8 cylinder Hudsons were produced in 1934.



    See what you can learn from my "General Information Handbook....:":eek:



    Hudsonly,

    Alex B
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Heres a 34 4 door Hudson 8 street rod.
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    You wanted to see a Hudson 8. This one is the later wide pan with the aluminum head but the rest is the same.
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