Looks like a few more ultra rare Hupmobiles are up for sale. The 1932 front wheel drive prototype, the only Skylark convertible, and a very early Skylark sedan. I’m not sure if and where any of the listings are up yet but I’m sure they’ll turn up soon.
My issue with this car is the size and engine. Imagine if they used the Model U engine and a real wheelbase? Last time I asked they wanted 500k. Not sure where the ask is now. The color choice is unfortunate. Still, a very cool think and I would certainly take it as a 1 of 1. I would probably take the Skylark convertible first as it would be a nice bookend to my Graham.
I thought I had a bunch of pictures of the FWD car but they are alluding me right now.
As it was, this prototype was put together with money that the company didn’t have. The writing was already on the wall that they needed to pull the plug on the bigger cars so putting front wheel drive in those would have been even more absurd. Still a cool idea though. I wouldn’t kick it out of bed for eating crackers. I wish that the aerodynamic front wheel drive prototype wasn’t destroyed.
I agree that the convertible Skylark is great.
There’s an old thread on the AACA about the fwd prototypes:
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/187200-1932-hupmobile-fwd/
There seems to be some disagreement as to whether the 212 model number on the front wheel drive prototype is in reference to the engine displacement or wheelbase. I’m skeptical that the front wheel drive would have used a shorter wheelbase(112”) than the standard model S. If anything, it looks longer than an S to me.
I wish I could find those photos. It is definitely short.
Form the AACA thread they should have stuck with black.
Here’s where my confusion on the supposed 112” wheelbase comes from. Look how much longer it looks than the standard model S, which has a 114” wheelbase. Some of it could be an illusion if the body is lower and the tires are smaller.
Travis, I agree with you. I would say it is 120 something.
It appears that the two Skylarks have been in the same collection for a long time. They were featured 25 years ago in Collectible Automobile.
Has an ungainly look to it. Did not realize Hupmobile built a FWD car.
They only built two FWD prototypes and one of them was destroyed. It was one of Archie Andrews’ schemes when he was on the Hupp board and not much of his involvement was beneficial.
Correct me but more or less everything Archie Andrew's touched turned to crap. The Ruxton is awesome but how many companies did he bankrupt with that project?
He was little more than a stock market manipulator at the end of the day. I think it was at least four manufacturers that he had the kiss of death on. There is a case to be made that all of those companies were already on the ropes and would have failed fairly quickly anyhow, but he certainly didn’t help matters. I’ve only ever read one article where someone tried to put a positive spin on Andrews. The author made the claim that all of those companies were already failing and Andrew’s was trying to save them. I’m not sure where they found any proof that he was some sort of hero, though.
"Angel of Death"
Looking at the engine in the prototype, it’s interesting how they relocated all of the accessories when they flipped the engine backward. I also see that they reworked the cooling system flow. The standard engine used a single long cover on the water jacket but on this they used two with what looks like an 1932 eight cylinder oil cooler mounted in between.
It is very cool. The color hurts it as well as the 6 instead of the 8.
They must have been working on the project prior to the revised and enlarged six cylinder that came out in the model B. That had a downdraft carb and 90 hp, which rendered the previous small eight a bit unnecessary.
It would be interesting to know if this used the same transaxle that was used in the other 1931 Budd FWD prototype that they pitched to Citroen.
Didn't Budd build the bodies for Ruxton?
They built the closed bodies. I think Baker-Raulang built the open bodies.
I believe you are correct Travis.
Very interesting car. Clearly not an L29 or a Ruxton but as the only one like it I would not mind finding it in my garage. Tires look not quite right but that is an easy fix.
Not fair to compare like this but here is a 1 of 1 Murphy bodied L29.
Wow. Does that car survive?
I wish it did and I found it. But thinking no.
That L29 is a fantastic looking car. Have always been a fan of the low styling but never had ride in one if anyone is offering.
Definitely need to go for an eye exam before you drive a car with a hood that long. That little dot you see on the horizon would be the car that you’re tailgating.
One of these days I need to measure one. The coachbuilt Murphy might have a longer cowl than the production cars but they all look long. Just a really attractive car.
