When you're a kid, certain names take on a mystical aura, often for no logical reason. So it was for me whenever I heard or saw the Terraplane. I was too young to know whether it was a decent car but, being made by Hudson, it had to be good. And I was at an impressionable age.
The Terraplane actually began life in 1932 as an Essex-Terraplane, Essex being an existing Hudson brand. With industry sales in a downward spiral due to the depression the Essex-Terraplane was Hudson's answer to its immediate need for an economy car. Competitors like Chevrolet, Ford and Plymouth had similar plans but the Terraplane was a different breed. It added performance to the recipe, reducing the weight of its 2-door coach by 485 pounds. In 1932 and 1933 stock Terraplanes set 72 hillclimb and speed records, including Pikes Peak. At Daytona Beach a Terraplane hit 85 mph and accelerated from 0-60 in under 15 seconds.
By 1934, the Essex brand name was eliminated and Hudson's running mate became simply known as "Terraplane." Styling was all-new, streamlined, with a strong art deco influence. The broad grille featured thin converging bars, there were seven tapered hood louvers, fenders flowed gracefully to the rear. It was a well-equipped car, too, with chrome windshield and window frames and chrome headlamps. Other significant features included front and rear ashtrays, a robe rail and footrest rail, full walnut-finish dash. The KU series added twin chrome horns, twin tail lamps, fender lamps, and dual windshield wipers.
The rear window drops, so the driver can communicate with those in the rumble seat. The windshield pops open for ventilation. Both wind wings and side windows retract into the door. Inside, it features genuine leather upholstery and an elegant woodgrained dash. The optional straight-six in the KU produces 89.5 hp in concert with a 3-speed manual transmission.
All of which makes this 1934 Hudson Terraplane KU Super Six coupe, which I discovered on Hemmings.com, a very desirable purchase, especially at the vendor's asking price of $38,500. Owned by an AACA chapter president, it has just had a total body-off-frame restoration with no expense spared. (One worthwhile upgrade: Because the 1934 Terraplane only came with mechanical brakes it has been fitted with hydraulic brakes to accommodate modern traffic.) For additional information click here, or phone Dave Henry at Spoke Motors. Santa Ynez, California 93460: 805 705-4924.
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