1937 Hupmobile Coupe, 618-G 🇺🇸

By 1936, the damage done to the Hupp Motorcar company by stock manipulator Archie Andrews was looking fatal. Yet, management continued to be optimistic. The company sold 3 of its manufacturing plants and some other real estate.   Archie Andrews' attempt to gain control finally ended when he exhausted all appeals and his 33 year membership in the Chicago Stock Exchange was terminated for his violation of the Exchange constitution.

A host of new improvements were planned for the 1936 cars, including  improved hydraulic brakes, new windshields with better visibility, better carburetors, and a more comprehensive  list of optional accessories. Production of the 1935 cars continued into ‘36 until the new aerodynamic cars, the model 618-G and 621-N were ready to go.

The glimmer of hope for Hupp’s revival was finally dashed in mid-year 1936 when the company, now nearly out of operating funds, unable to borrow and with nothing left to sell, was unable to meet payroll. The hope of salvation came in early 1937 when company President Thomas Bradley convinced shareholders to take a reduction in stock par value and issue new shares. This provided the cash strapped company with $2,500,000 and allowed for final design details and commitments to produce 1938 cars. 

The cash infusion also allowed the company to restart production in July 1937 to use up all the remaining stocks of parts from 1936. Consequently, 1937 Hupmobiles are just rare continuations of 1936 cars. Many sources will not even acknowledge that any 1937 Hupmobiles were produced. 

Company
Hupp Motorcar Company

Make
Hupmobile

Model
618-G

Body Style
Coupe, 2-dr, 5-pass.

Body Manufacture

NA

Model year
1937 (1936)

Wheelbase
118 inches

Length
NA

Engine
L-head, Inline-6, 245.3 cid

Horsepower
101 hp @ 3600 rpm

Transmission
3-speed manual

Original Base Price
$840

Brand Production
875

This Car Production
199  of all body styles

The lowest priced cars from Hupp were the Business Coupe at $795 and the Standard Coupe at $840. When compared to  comparable Fords of the year, the Ford was priced at $660 and $720. While the price difference doesn’t sound like a lot today, it is a 20% price differential at a time when Americans were still recovering from the Great Depression. 

Any 1936-37 Hupmobile is a rare car, but this one is even more notable for its untouched originality. The paint, upholstery, and driveline are the ones installed at the factory and never restored or updated.