1929 Hudson Model L

1 of 7 known examples of the mere 17 originally built
Long-term ownership by Eldon Hostetler in the Hostetler Hudson Museum
Recipient of an award-winning restoration to period splendor
2020 Best in Class at the Boca Raton Concours dElegance
Perfect score at the 2020 AACA Grand National meet
Dashing long-wheelbase, top-of-the-line model with amazing presence

Although commonly referred to as the Super Six by marque enthusiasts, Hudson in fact began phasing out that respected name for its updated 1929 models, instead collectively advertising them as The Greater Hudson. Two variations were available: the Series R, with a wheelbase of 112-1/2-inches and the Series L with a commanding 139-inch wheelbase length suited to fit the most handsome and opulent body styles emblematic of the late Jazz Age.

One of the most admired cars in the Hudson model catalogue for 1929, this rare dual cowl sport phaeton body style remains one of the finest of all applied to the mighty Hudson Series L chassis. Exuding a virile presence, its handsome and adventurous semi-custom coachwork was crafted by Biddle and Smart, and its design was proudly influenced by Hudsons collaboration with the renowned Murphy coachbuilding company of Pasadena, California, where eventual Hudson design head Frank Spring was employed. As 1 of just 7 known examples to survive of the mere 17 originally crafted, this example remains highly prized among collectors. A former long-term resident of the world-renowned Eldon Hostetler Hudson Museum Collection, which was referred to as the Worlds Greatest Collection of Hudson Automobiles, Eldon purchased this example in late October of 1992 from friend Jack Miller, noted marque expert and the last active Hudson dealer. The Hostetlers kept this example for a number of years before commissioning Pat and Jan Appenzeller of Milford, Indiana to restore it. The exquisite and charming period colors were chosen by Mr. and Mrs. Hostetler after seeing it used in a period Hudson advertisement in the Saturday Evening Post.

Beautifully presented, it boasts a long list of features that include Pilot-Ray pivoting driving lights, dual cowl lights, a grille stone guard, a stanchion-mounted spotlight, dual-side mounted spares with canvas covers topped with side view mirrors, and, of course dual folding windscreens, and a flip-up rear cowl.

Carefully maintained and admired in the Hostetler Hudson Museum in Shipshewana, Indiana until 2018 when the entire collection was auctioned, it was then acquired by collector Scott Spiro. Mr. Spiro would entrust a restoration shop in Lebanon, New York to freshen the restoration with attention to detail to be ready for further concours events and tours; this work totaled over $40,000. After which, this rare Series L scored a reported perfect 400 points at the 2020 AACA Grand National meet, a Best in Class at the 2020 Boca Raton Concours dElegance and graced the show field of The Amelia Concours and partook in their driving tour.

Today, this rare Series L Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton is offered from a noted collection that has a devotion to the Hudson automobile brand, and it stands ready to be further judged at prestigious events and participate in various tours such as the CCCAs CARavans.

Restored to award-winning period splendor and offered with ownership history that includes various noted Hudson collectors, this dashing long-wheelbase top-of-the-line 1929 Model L Dual Cowl Sport Phaeton is quite likely the finest example one will find of the mere seven that exist today.