1931 Hupmobile Century Eight Model L Sedan

Description

The 1931 Hupmobile Century Eight Model L offered luxury, innovation, and performance, an effective combination that enticed enough buyers of its phaeton, sedan, roadster, coupe, and convertible cabriolet versions to help keep the Hupp Motor Car Company (1909-39) afloat during the Great Depression.  

The four-door Model L had long, flowing fenders, a pronounced grille, and a powerful 240-cubic-inch straight-eight engine that produced 90 horsepower. Among its innovative features was an advanced suspension system that provided a more comfortable ride than many of its contemporaries, plus a transmission freewheeling function. Inside, the luxury automobile offered leather upholstery and polished wood accents. 

This mostly original survivor car remained in the original owner’s family for 85 years, and it has been on display in a Missouri auto museum since it was purchased by the consigner seven years ago. It is in running condition and has been fully serviced in preparation for this sale. 

Highlights

• Car remained in the original owner’s family until 2016, when it was put on display 

• Finished in blue paint with black fenders over tan tufted cloth interior 

• Front and rear bench seats were reupholstered several decades ago 

• Powered by a 240 cu-in L-head straight-eight engine (#11132) producing 90 horsepower 

• Three-speed manual transmission with freewheeling function (introduced in 1931) 

• 19 inch wire wheels with Hupmobile center caps and 5.50–19 bias-ply tires 

• Luggage trunk  

• Running boards 

• Rear-hinged rear doors (“suicide” doors) 

• This 1931 Hupmobile Century Eight Model L Sedan is offered with the five-digit odometer showing 65,118 miles at the time of listing, however the true mileage is unknown 

Features

• Three-spoke steering wheel 

• Wood dash and window trim

• Gauges include: 

  • Barrel-type speedometer 

  • Fuel level 

  • Engine temperature 

  • Oil pressure 

  • Amperage 

• Key ignition with start, fuel pump, choke, spark, and heater pull knobs 

• Dashboard-mounted clock 

• Rear cabin amenities include rope bar, footrest, and window shades 

• Mechanical four-wheel drum brakes 

• Front and rear semi-elliptical leaf springs 

• Single, low-mounted driving lamp in addition to headlamps 

• Parking lamps 

• Single, driver’s side taillight 

• 118 inch wheelbase 

Known Imperfections

• Windshield cracked 

• Paint is chipped, scraped, and worn 

• Leather trunk is worn 

• Light rust along rear exterior windowsills 

• Corrosion on engine and underside 

• Headliner is torn above driver’s side door 

• Carpet and interior leather trim is worn 

Included

• Side-mount spare tire 

• Jack 

• Advertising from Saturday Evening Post 

Ownership History

This 1931 Hupmobile Century Eight Model L Sedan is said to have remained in the family of its original owner for 85 years until it was purchased by the consigner in 2016 and placed on display in a Missouri auto museum. The car was fully serviced in preparation for its sale.