1933 Hupmobile B-316 Roadster

Lot details
Registration No: UN-REG
Chassis No: B8621
Mot Expiry: None

Introduced in January 1932, the new Hupmobile range was intended to stimulate sales amid a market left moribund by the Great Depression. Revamped by the legendary Raymond Loewy (who was acting as a consultant to the Detroit firm in his first automotive posting), the cars featured a new V-shaped radiator, wonderfully stylized mascot and some clever sheetmetal changes. While, the wheel hugging 'cycle fenders' fitted to the eight-cylinder F and I models grabbed the headlines, the six-cylinder B model was not without its fair share of visual trickery / delight. Working alongside Amos Northup (chief designer at Hupmobile's body supplier Murray), Loewy created the illusion of a 'boat-tail' on the B-216 Roadster through the clever use of two-tone paintwork and body mouldings. Indeed, Loewy's ideas can be seen as refracting those of the famous GM Art & Colour school under Harley Earl.

Sitting on a 116-inch wheelbase (hence the '16' in its model designation), the B-216 utilised a 'dropped' chassis frame equipped with all-round semi-elliptic leaf-sprung suspension, cam-and-lever steering and four-wheel drum brakes. Powered by an enlarged 228.1ci (3.7 litre) straight-six sidevalve engine that developed some 75hp @ 3,200rpm, it further benefited from a smooth-shifting three-speed Warner manual gearbox. Smaller and lighter than its eight-cylinder brethren, the B model was little, if any, slower (though, it lacked the performance of the 'Hupp Comet' which was driven by Russell Snowberger to fifth overall in the 1932 Indianapolis 500). Nicely appointed, the Roadster version sported a raked windscreen (complete with wind deflectors), additional rumble / dickey seat and twin side-mounted spare wheels (while, the options list encompassed a commodious luggage trunk).

Despite the fact that Hupmobile were one of the few companies to catalogue a six-cylinder Roadster for 1932 (Buick, Dodge and Nash etc had all dropped theirs) sales were slow. Although, the B-216 was carried over into 1933 as the B-316 (the '3' in its model designation denoting the year), it lost out to a new generation of more fashionable Convertible Coupes including Hupmobile's own K-321. A car that not only signified the end of America's love affair with the traditional Roadster but also the beginning of its obsession with extravagant form and colour (a movement that would explode in the 1950s), the Hupmobile B-316 Roadster still has enough presence and style to impress nearly seventy-five years later. A rare machine in its day made much more so by the passage of time, survivors are few and far between.

Finished in blue over white with red leather upholstery, this particular example is described by the vendor as being in "excellent" condition with regard to its engine, three-speed manual gearbox, electrical equipment, interior trim, chassis, bodywork, paintwork and wheels / tyres. Reportedly acquired after some fifteen years of badgering, chassis B8621 has been in the current ownership since circa 2001. Although previously restored to a high standard, the Roadster was stripped and repainted in its current livery not long after acquisition (the colours used being available during 1933). While more recent work carried out between 2004 and 2006 is said to have included a methodical engine overhaul, extensive brake system refurbishment, rejuvenated electrical system and the fitting of a Laycock overdrive (the latter aiding high-speed cruising and fuel consumption). Believed but not warranted by the seller to be the only B-316 Roadster in Europe and one of less than ten remaining, chassis B8621 has apparently covered some 6,000 - 7,000 miles over the last six years (though, just 1,500 of those have been logged by the refreshed engine). Perfect for the aspiring Gatsby, this immaculately presented Hupmobile is worthy of the closest inspection.

Please Note: Although, not road registered in the UK this car does possess French registration documents.