1929 Hupmobile Century 6

1929 Hupmobile Century 6

Robert Craig Hupp was born on June 2nd, 1887, in Grand Rapids, MI. In 1902, Robert began working for Olds Motors. In 1906 he joined Ford Motor Company where he gained knowledge in many automotive areas. In 1908 he left Ford. With his brother Louis, he began seeking financial backing, rented a factory at 345 Bellevue Avenue in Detroit, and began creating a demo vehicle. By 1909, the Hupmobile was created. It was first shown to the public at the Detroit Auto Show. The vehicle was a two-seater roadster with an 86-inch wheelbase. The $750 sticker price included the 17 horsepower four-cylinder engine and sliding gear transmission.

A not often seen or even remembered automobile this consignment comes to us fully restored in excellent Hupmobile condition. Beautifully designed, an excellent color combination and many features make this a truly high end car for its time. Most likely a chauffeur driven car it has a very much original interior with amenities, and a flat 6-cylinder engine and a 3-speed manual transmission, and wooden spoked wheels to die for.

Exterior
Funny thing about these cars is that there is no badge or moniker on this car that actually refers to it as a Hupmobile. Only a series of cast badging on the radiator front, and hubcaps showing in an H logo with shields etc. This is due to the owners having a dispute with former investors who forbade the original Mr. Hupp to use the actual last name when they split up. A handlebar mustache styled front bumper grabs our eye and entices us to look further into this wonderful vehicle. Large round headlights flank a chrome edge banded radiator surround with the cast H badge and a plain cap on top. Nicely applied neutral gray paint is covering the straight steel that clads the exterior of this car. On the venting of the cowled hood and around other seams a deep maroon pinstriping defines the edges and sections of this car. A black vinyl top for the long roof, which culminates in a curved rear metal section to hold the rear glass and back of the car together. Black surrounds for all the windows and in front, a small black metal visor shades the windscreen. Curved exterior mounted fenders use the running boards in the center to come together to create the entry for all the passengers front and rear. These are bathed in contrasting black with rubber runners. This black migrates to the lower rockers on the car which adds a nice one overall to the sides. A single stalk mounted taillight hangs off the driver's side rear. A shiny beautifully curved in the center dual bar rear bumper frames the white wall spare mounted to the back of the car. Excellent restored wood spoked wheels in their natural wood state, sport thin pinstriping and have H badged octagonal shiny hubs in their centers. All 4 corners are wrapped in thin tires with white sidewalls.

Interior
A swing of all 4 doors which share a common B pillar reveals a broadcloth gray fabric for the door panels and ornately carved and shaped cranks and handles in brass with silver carved escutcheons are within this broadcloth field. Slipping inside we have deep gray mohair with tuck and roll padding and buttons as some extra texture. A curved front bench stretches across the dash, and in the back plenty of legroom is there for the taking on the rear bench which also is mohair. This bench has curved armrests on either side while all the remaining interior surfaces are dark gray mohair broadcloth. One has to adore those ornate door handles and window cranks throughout the interior. Also roll shades on rear glass, in excellent condition can be pulled down for extra privacy. A long footrest is also provided for the rear passengers. Up front on the dash, which is the definition of ornate, has faux wood grain painted metal with a curved overhang and flat dash front. In the center is another carved cast silver instrument panel, and not looking much like an instrument cluster, but more like a work of framed art deco art which happens to be housing rectangular gauges which are flanking a central shield styled wheel speedometer and rectangular odometer. Above more attention to detail is a clock inserted into the rear-view mirror. Floors are covered in gray carpeting and even an art deco styled gas pedal is present. Also seen is a heater box so this car can be used in the depths of winter to shuttle the passengers comfortably.

Drivetrain
Under the cowled hood is a fully restored 212ci inline 6-cylinder mill. No rust or any water damage here all looking spiffy even down to the chrome horn mounted on the side of the engine. It is fed by a single 1-barrel Stromberg carburetor, and has a 3-speed manual transmission on back, with a 4.70 rear axle.

Undercarriage
Well preserved black metal framing supports the engine and suspension and clean rust-free body hangers. A section of wood is inserted for the floor of the passenger compartment, but this remains excellent condition. Mechanical drum brakes are on all 4 corners, and leaf springs provide the ride. All rust-free metal, painted black throughout.

Drive-Ability
After a slight crank she fired up and on our test track jaunt it worked perfectly. Nice smooth acceleration, decent mechanical braking, and smooth shifting through the gears. A comfy driver in which one could take a long trip and remain comfortable throughout.

Just a rare find and in excellent condition it is in even rarer. Definitely worth a look for the enthusiast who wants something different, and after you get it, you'll still have to tell everyone what it is due to the usage of the owners last name being prohibited! It's a Hupmobile. Enough said.