1935 Hupmobile J-521 value?

[flackmaster]

I know nothing about Hupmobiles.  That said, I am trying to assist a friend in valuing a '35 Hupmobile J-521 sedan.   Sorry, no pictures.  Last tagged in 1986, sitting since.  Likely a very original car -  indoor stored in dry dry southern california.  exterior paint was good, now tired from the years, the inevitable scrapes in a tight garage, etc..  Chrome and trim maybe a little better than expected.  Mechanical completely unknown - certainly would need the usual to get it back running/driving.  Couple of flat tires and the requisite layer of dust. seats are out as the task of headliner and  new glass was abandoned for other priorities/projects.  Loved, but neglected.  Any idea what the market range might be?  Its a cool looking car, but is there a market....?

[huptoy]

A picture is worth a thousand words.  Your behind in your description.  Photos help.

 

Try going to a book store and purchasing the “Old Car Price Guide”.  They will have an estimated value based on how you define your cars condition.

 

As a test, compare the books calculated value of your own cars known value.

[alsancle]

If it was the coupe it would be worth some money, even as a 6 banger.  Not running 4-5k assuming not a rot box.  running maybe double that.  But again,  condition is everything and sedans are not easy to sell in almost all instances.

[Hupp36]

Total production on thls Model was  2,488.  2264 on the  1934 and  224 on the  1935. . The  1935  being  more desirable   because  of the  low  production.  Raymond  Loewy who  designed  this car  was  also  a member  of the  Hupmobile  Club.

[flackmaster]

Thank you Gentlemen - Very very helpful.  First, based on the spotters guide, must be a 421 based on the grille. There is a restored 521 on ebait right now at 12.5K.  Bonhams auction results list 2 521's in the last 5 years at 11.5 and 9K.    Poor pictures attached if it helps...Again, thank you for your insights.

[Hupp36]

If  you  lift the  passenger side  of the  hood,  look on the  firewall  about 8in.  down  and  12in.  in. You  will  see a  tag  that  starts with  a J and  5  numbers .  The  serial # will  tell  what  year  the  car  is. I  do  not  see the  bumpers  in the  pic.  If  you  do  not  have  them,  you  will  a  tough  time  finding  the  correct ones. Plus  side its a  deluxe model,  Factory  installed  radio,  dual  tail  lights. This  will  make  someone  a  fine  car.  I only  pray that it  stays  original.

[flackmaster]

Only change since original post is a bit more dust.  Now seriously looking to sell.  Only updated comment from the owners wife is it was a good running, fun car when last driven, decades ago... Updated comments on value or interest in buying welcome. I will put seriously interested parties in touch with "the wife", my only involvement is to counsel as to value. 

[alsancle]

That is a neat car!   I'll stick with my original assessment of 4-5k.    Project cars are very very hard to sell these days.   A non runner with long term storage the risk is all on the buyer.

[Hupp36]

If the  serial  #  proves  out  to  be  a 1935,  they  only  made 224 in  3  body  styles, a coupe, 2  dr.  sedan  and  a 4 dr.  sedan. Not  a  lot  of  people  know  this  but  Hupmobile  made  a  lot  of  great  cars. My 1936  Model N  is  a  great  road  car. It  has  an  over drive  factory installed  and  will run 60  to  70  miles  an  hour  with  no  strain on  the  engine

[Hupp36]

I  just  caught  a peek of the  speedometer and it  looks  like 38,9?? miles. The  paint on the  car is  called  Clay  Rust which  was  a factory  color. I  would  love to  look  that  car  over  as it  could  have  the  original  paint.

[auburnseeker]

2 hours ago, Hupp36 said:

I  would  love to  look  that  car  over  as it  could  have  the  original  paint

Looks like overspray on the surface rusted rear bumper brackets so probably not original paint.  Atleast on the lowers. 

[Hupp36]

Yes,  it  does  look like  over spray. What  impress's  me is the  good  condition of the  running  boards.

[edk]

Hello,

 

I had sent you a message about this car a few days ago.  I'm wondering about the bumpers etc and what the asking price may be.  

 

[flackmaster]

I am going to suggest a price of $6,000.  The real problem is extraction of a non-running car from a garage where there are two more non-runners outside.  Just sending a shipping company to pick up ain't gonna happen.  Location is Corona, CA, so its one of those situations where a group of friends will really be necessary.  

Typical long story of owner aging out, too many cars, too little time, grumpy old man, etc.       

[Junkboro]

flackmaster:

It's been about a year since the last post. What was the outcome for this aerodynamic Hupmobile in southern California?  Were you able to confirm the year and model?  I know this was originally listed as a 1935 521-J (6-cylinder, 121 inch wheelbase), but looking at the pictures I might have guessed it to be a 1934 427-T (8-cylinder, 127.5 inch wheelbase) based upon the vertical bars in the grille and the vent door on the side of the hood.

[Hupp36]

I scanned in a document that's seems to  verify what you  said.  Hope you  can see it, it  is very  light, but  i am a mechanic , not  a computer nerd.

Edited October 18, 2021 by Hupp36
more info. (see edit history)

[edk]

I talked to you quite a while ago, anything ever happen with it?     

[flackmaster]

see update as a new topic.  The car is now Really available...

[Candi]

We're you able to sell the 35 hupp?