In the 1920s Hudson and its sister company Essex ranked in the top five of US automakers. Though the decade the cars had straight six engines, the same units serving both the "popular" Essex models and the up-market Hudsons.

Two more cylinders

In 1930 a straight eight was introduced and this basic design was to serve untill 1953. It was tough yet smooth , easy to maintain and it was used in the new Anglo-American cars such as the Railton. Its close reationship to the six was underlinded as it had the same bore and stroke, and parts were interchangable. It was barely powerful enough, and for the Greater Eight its bore was twice increased. In its three forms the eight was rated at 80 bhp. 87 bhp and 101 bhp, and all had a reputation for good torque. Not a commerical success. The cars were a little heavier than the US average and there were two standard wheelbase chassis. The bodies were essentially bluff, making no concession to streamlining. For 1930 no fewer than 11 Great Eight models were listed, while in 1932 the Greater Eight list ran to 14 models. But the variety of models did not secure success, for Hudson sales fell dramatically in the depression years.



An early Great Eight showing off the classic styling of the series, and a degree of over-restoration by its modern owner

Photo Autopresse
MCMXCI, Edito-Service S.A. D1 078 02-06