for sale 1934 Terraplane Sport Coupe SOLD

Matt Harwood · July 17, 2018

SOLD. It's a Terraplane, not a Hudson Terraplane nor an Essex Terraplane. For reasons I don't understand, Hudson shifted the Terraplane to an independent model in 1934, when this lovely sport coupe was built, then killed it three years later when Terraplane's sales were so strong that they were overshadowing Hudson. In the Depression, why kill the goose that's laying the golden eggs? Anyway, this is a 1934 Terraplane and if you like to stand out at shows, it's a wonderful choice. Nobody made an ugly car in 1934, but I am particularly fond of this car's grille, which is art-deco at its best. A few visitors in our shop have confused it with a Ford, but you can see that the Terraplane is a bit more graceful, with flowing fenders that are just a little longer than a Ford's. It's a nice older restoration still in fantastic condition, ideal for touring and casual shows, although it must have been a very high-quality piece when it was first completed. I especially like the louvers on the sides of the hood and the sweep of the rear fenders, which is highlighted by a matching yellow pinstripe. Finish quality is very good with a few minor signs of use (mostly some chips around the hood opening on the cowl, which is common) and the panels fit together quite well. Excellent chrome trim and a beautifully detailed hood ornament.

Interior is correct olive-colored mohair that's the exact same stuff that's in my 1929 Cadillac and the wide bench seat is quite comfortable even for taller drivers. Oval instrument panel is actually the speedometer, with secondary fuel level and water level. For some reason, 1934 Terraplanes did without thermostats of any kind, so they figured a temperature gauge was unnecessary. Fortunately, someone has added a temperature gauge under the dash. There's also an accessory Arvin radio with column-mounted tuner and a heater under the dash (the radio is sadly not working). That giant handle in the middle of the dash is for the pivoting windshield, although it includes a cowl vent as well. Woodgraining is excellent, the steering wheel is as new, and all the windows (including the rear window) crank up and down easily.

Engine is a 212 cubic inch "Power Dome" inline-6 making 80 horsepower, which is pretty impressive when you consider that the Ford V8 was making 85. Starts easily with the choke, idles well, and runs with enthusiasm down the road. The transmission clashes a little when it's cold, but once it warms up, it's buttery smooth with no issues, and it's pretty happy at 45-50 MPH on the road. Brakes are mechanical, so plan accordingly, although I was pleasantly surprised to see this neat little car has tube shocks, which were apparently original equipment. Engine is correctly detailed and shows only modest signs of use. Very clean undercarriage with no rust or damage, correct exhaust system, and even the engine splash pans are still in place--I'd imagine finding some of these parts for this car would be difficult, so it's nice that it's 100% complete. Sitting on original wire wheels with 17-inch Lester wide whites that are older but still in good condition and probably better than what you can buy today. Includes a neat tool roll with the logo embroidered on its face.

Once again, if this were a Ford, it would easily be worth twice the asking price. Instead, you get a car that's a little bit unique, every bit as beautiful, and much more reasonably priced. The hardware is durable and simple and you might just find that you enjoy being a little outside the ordinary when you drive it. I'm very pleased with this little coupe and for $32,900, I think you will be, too. Thanks for looking!