Rare 1934 Hupmobile for Shannons Melbourne Autumn Auction

MELBOURNE – Feb 14, 2012: A very rare 1934 Hupmobile Model J ‘Aerodynamic’ Coupe in need of total restoration is one of the early standout early lots in Shannons Melbourne Autumn Auction on March 5.

Believed to be one of just three J Series Hupmobiles in Australia, the stylish timber-framed Raymond Loewy-designed coupe with its swooping cycle mudguards, distinctive three-piece windscreen and rear rumble seat is 80-90 per cent complete, according to Shannons.

The right hand drive, in-line six-cylinder Hupmobile J Coupe is understood to be an Australian car and was purchased in Melbourne in 1973 by its current owner, who intended to restore it superficially.

However on realising how rare the Model J ‘Rumble Seat’ model was, the project was shelved until the restoration could be done properly.

The vehicle was then stored under cover in dry conditions in the Northern Mallee area of Victoria for the following 28 years until the decision was taken give someone else the pleasure of bringing the Hupmobile back to its former glory.

The Hupp Motor Company of Detroit began building cars in 1909, but by the time the advanced Model J was introduced in 1934 – with its launch delayed by problems associated with building its aerodynamic bodywork – the Depression had decimated potential customers. The last Hupmobile Aerodynamic was built in 1937 and the last Hupmobile left the line in 1941.

Because of its rarity, Shannons expect the Model J Coupe to attract bids in the $25,000-$35,000 range.