Lot #

1318

Location

Yarmouth, MA 02664

Seller

Dealer

81540

193ci (3.2L) inline-six engine

3 Speed Manual

Sapphire Blue

Grey

10247

Current Bid: $5,500 Time Left:
Questions Place Bid

Offered here is a rare and historically significant 1932 Essex Terraplane 4-Door Sedan—a true survivor from the first year of Terraplane production by Hudson. Built under Hudson’s “Super Six” line, this model features the high-compression “Essex Power Dome” 193ci (3.2L) inline-six engine rated at 70 horsepower, mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with a cork-faced wet clutch—an engineering hallmark of its time.

Finished in what appears to be Sapphire Blue over a grey cloth interior, the car sits on striking yellow spoke wheels with factory Essex mini chrome hubcaps, including a matching rear-mounted spare. The 1932 Terraplane was a revolutionary design, built on a 106-inch wheelbase and featuring “unit construction,” where the floor pan was welded to the side rails at 20 key points—offering increased rigidity while keeping weight low. At just 2,209 lbs, it was notably lighter than both Ford and Chevrolet counterparts, enhancing its performance and handling.

Made famous by Amelia Earhart, who drove a Terraplane to victory at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb in 1932, this model carries a unique legacy. This example shows just under 82,000 miles and remains largely original. The interior is remarkably well-preserved with clean, intact cloth seating and ornate period-correct gauges, including a 100 mph speedometer. An aftermarket Stewart-Warner watt and temperature gauge has been added under the dash for functionality.

The body is solid overall with signs of age and patina, particularly on the rear left fender, contributing to its vintage charm. The undercarriage is clean and solid, and the car starts easily and drives well. Tires show signs of dry cracking and will need replacement. A rare and charming piece of pre-war automotive history, this Terraplane is stored in Massachusetts and comes with a clean Vermont title in the owner’s name.

–