A Hupmobile, eh? How often do we review one of those on these august webpages? Not often, and never a 1938 Model Six, four-door sedan such as today’s discovery, courtesy of Zappenduster. Hupmobile was another one of many domestic auto marques that got their start in the early twentieth century and were ultimately unable to hold their own among the onslaught of bigger and stronger automotive competition. Located in New Palestine, Indiana, this stylish sedan is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $7,500.
“Hupp has always built a good car,” was Hupmobile’s 1938 slogan (note that it proclaims “good,” not “great”). Anyway, Hupp Motor Car Company was started in 1909 by Robert Hupp and continued production into model year 1940. The company had a successful marketing strategy to take on entry-level competitive models, but decided to move upstream in the early thirties. However, the plan didn’t pan out – the sales for a more upscale variety just weren’t there, likely affected by the Great Depression. By 1938, Hupmobile offered six-cylinder models (our subject car) in Standard, Deluxe, and Custom trims, as well as an eight-cylinder Custom model. Total Six production reached only 637 units in ’38, while the Eight series put up a paltry count of only 197 copies. Our subject appears to be sound; there is some paint fade and discoloration, but no obvious crash damage or rot. The prominent grille, a hallmark of cars from this era and often on the receiving end of parking errors, looks fine – no missing teeth. The seller adds, “Extremely solid car all the way around, all 1938 metal. The driver’s vent window, I do have the original replacement complete. Have original bumpers; have a spare rear vent window.”
That “Ran Flawlessly When Parked” claim references a 101 HP, 245 CI, in-line six-cylinder flathead engine, engaged to a three-speed manual transmission. The seller also mentions, “Carb has been redone, new starter, have a brand new battery, not installed.”
The interior, not referenced in the listing, looks like a velour redo. While it’s probably the wrong material, it is wearing the correct pattern. Other than the dash, the entire environment is in decent condition, and even the headliner is not gravity-bound. Back to the dash, it appears that homemade aluminum panels have been fabricated to replace whatever was in place before – the passenger side piece doesn’t look as if it’s attached. What we call a center-stack today resembles a wooden handmade attempt – something’s not right about it.
The seller gives us no indication as to how long this Hupmobile has been sitting, and knowing that detail would help gauge the engine’s running potential. Regardless, this is an unusual find. Despite the market for these prewar cars, which we have discussed many times before here on BF, this sedan’s rarity, its fallen flag status, and overall condition provide some marketability. Who do you think a likely buyer for this Hupmobile Six might be?
I like the high mounted brake lights. Thats a nice unique touch. I remember my father talking about Huppmobiles when I was a young kid. I’m thinking they were a fairly well made car. This one looks like a solid car with good bones to work with. Which is important when you’re restoring something as rare as this. I’m not sure how hard it would be to find parts. But it’s a beautiful find Zappenduster and great ( not good) write up Jim.
Thank you!
JO
Wow, that dash treatment certainly leaves a lot to be desired. But in these days of modern times, you gotta take the bad with the terrible.
I’m a big fan of pre-war cars and would give $7500 if I were looking.
My mother always talked about my grandfather having a Hupmobile. 1920’s I would imagine, as their lives were upended in the 30’s like many others. This one was looking good until I saw the dashboard. With only a little over 800 made for the 1938 model year, where would you find parts. I guess by then the writing was on the wall. Then they bought the Cord stamping dies and teamed up with Graham to make rear drive Cords. Even though customers wanted Hupmobile Skylarks and Graham Hollywoods, too many problems with the tooling left customers waiting and put both companies out of the car business.