Serial No. 7212707

Engine No. 342047

Put in the simplest of terms, Hudson's Terraplane line of 1937 was a gorgeous automobile, with full-figured Rubenesque curves set off by a waterfall grille that began as a chromed trim line and then expanded to spread over the tip of the hood, then narrowed again as it descended, producing an utterly sensuous shape. The prominent glass hood ornament, glowing red over it all, was aped in the design of the front fender parking lights. Altogether it was a stunning design and reflected the best of the Streamline Moderne's influence on American automobile design in its era. Many were the luxury cars that did not look as costly as the mid-priced Terraplane!

Continuing on that theme, the Gateway Automobile Museum's Convertible Brougham is rather elaborate for what was a mid-priced automobile of the day, with a very low split and visored windshield and vent windows that can be locked to roll down with the main pane, as on a Chrysler Airflow of the same era. A traditional blind-quarter convertible top, finished in Haartz cloth, covers an interior that, despite its vast proportions, is styled for only two passengers. Instead, the brown leather bench seat pivots on an axis to provide room to an utterly massive open storage area, enabling very comfortable long-distance touring with all the accoutrements one could wish.

Fine detailing extends to a beautiful woodgrained dashboard with Art Deco instruments bezels, vents, and radio facia, as well as a banjo steering wheel and switchgear cast in marbled plastic. Outside, the body is accessorized with dual yellow fog lights, a single spotlight, and rear fender skirts, finishing the very smooth look of its curves. The engine compartment, with its 112 horsepower Powerdome six-cylinder engine, is similarly well-finished and detailed.

Finished in Mandalay Ivory with a bold triple pinstripe, the car was restored some two decades ago to its present wonderful standard, and in 1999 achieved its Senior award in Antique Automobile Club of America competition while owned by Henry "Duke" Marley of North Carolina. Acquired for the collection in the spring of 2005 and a favorite of both staff and visitors since, it today exhibits 1,706 miles at the time of cataloging, and would require little to happily return to show fields.

Perhaps the period advertisements said it best: "In the air, it's aeroplaning; on the water, it's aquaplaning; and on the road, hot-diggidy-dog, that's Terraplaning!" Indeed!

Collection Guarantee Disclosure

Please note that as part of a larger collection to be offered at live and online auctions, the Consignor of the Gateway Collection has been guaranteed a minimum price for certain cars, including this Lot, by Broad Arrow. Depending on the final Hammer Price obtained for those Lots, Broad Arrow may benefit financially.