FAQs
What is a Hupmobile?
Hupmobile was an automobile built by the Hupp Motor Company from 1909 thru 1940. The Hupp Motor Company of Detroit, Michigan, started building automobiles in 1908 and introduced their creation, called the Model 20, to the public at the Detroit Auto Show in February 1909. The company's philosophy was to build a car in the working man's price range. That idea, along with a strong commitment to quality and workmanship, produced many years of dependable, tough and durable machines.
Where were they made
The Hupp Motor Car Company of Detroit, Michigan, started building their Model 20 Runabout in a small building on Belleview Avenue in 1908. The prototype was presented at the 1909 Detroit Motor Show with great success. Production began with 500 cars built and sold the first year. Yearly production increased and a new location on Jefferson Avenue was needed to accommodate more styles of cars being built, the runabout, torpedo, touring and enclosed sedan. In 1912, a second model was available, the Model H (usually referred to as the Model 32). Also in 1912, Hupp opened a manufacturing plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, making Hupmobiles mainly for the Canadian market. This plant discontinued after a few years but started again in 1933 until 1935.
The following year (1913), the Model 20 was discontinued and manufacturing of the Model 32 Hupmobiles continued until a new plant was built on Milwaukee Avenue for the production of future cars.
In 1928, Hupp Motor Car Co. bought the Chandler Car Co. buildings in Cleveland, Ohio, and from 1929 through 1936 Hupp produced automobiles at that site and in Detroit.
How were they made?
Hupmobile made a total of 500,000 automobiles during the 30 years of production. In 1909 over 500 cars were produced. By 1929, Hupp was producing over 53,300 cars per year (their best year). A workers' strike in 1937 resulted in very few, if any, cars being made during 1937. A low production of cars were made from 1938 through 1940.
When did they stop production of Hupmobiles?
The Hupp Motor Car Company stopped production of cars during July 1940, as the result of slow sales and because the world entered into the armed conflict of World War II when the focus was placed on assisting the war efforts.
What might they be known for?
Through the years HUPMOBILES participated in all types of competition. Noteworthy events included: around-the-world endurance trials (1910-1912), visit to all the state capitols (1916), 1932 Indianapolis 500 race (finished 5th) and many local endurance-type competitions.
The first police car for Detroit was a 1910 Hupmobile. The US Army used Hupmobiles in WWI as General staff cars, to visit the front lines, and as ambulances. Train/car race from Capetown to Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1924 (Train won the race). Train/car rematch race in 1990, (Car won this time).
Hupmobiles were made for dependability more than speed, and set many endurance records. This gained a loyal marque following. In 1927 a survey showed that over 40% of Hupmobile owners were repeat buyers when their old Hupps came due for replacing. Another survey in 1937 showed that over 200,000 Hupmobiles were still licensed in the USA and 57% were still driven by their original owners. This survey also showed that more than 75% wanted to stick to Hupmobiles.
Is the car on the US $10.00 a Hupmobile?
No, the periodic rumor that the car on the old-style US $10 bill is a Hupmobile has been strongly denied by the US Mint and the Bureau of Engraving. The original engraver used a composite of many US cars so as not to favor any one manufacturer.
Where can I find the value of a Hupmobile?
The Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805-1940, current edition, gives values of cars built during these years, in six different categories, ranging from parts cars to professionally restored award-winning condition.
Are parts still available?
Most engine parts are available through various parts manufacturers; other parts are found at swap meets, through the Hupmobile club, and ads placed in the antique automobile magazines.
Are there any books on the Hupmobile, The Hupp Motor Car Co., or the Hupp family?
One book has been written which covers the Hupmobile Story From Beginning to End, another book about Three Men in a Hupp and their around-the-world trip in an automobile in 1910-1912; and several articles appear in magazines or other publications. Some articles cover only the cars while others cover the company, the people and the cars.
The Books are:
The Hupmobile Story From Beginning to End, 2d printing, 2004, Bill Cuthbert, M.T. Publications, Evansville, Indiana
Three Men in a Hupp: Around the World by Automobile, 1910-1912, 2003 - James A. Ward, Stanford General Books, Stanford University Press, Stanford, California
A few Magazine examples are:
Automobile Quarterly, Vol. 16 Number 1, 1978
35 pages, 28 color photos and information about the founder of the company, the company, and the cars they made.
Automobile Quarterly, Vol. 39 Number 3, 1999
12 pages with color photos of 1934-35 Aerodynamic Hupmobiles.
AACA Antique Automobile, Vol. 32 Number 4, Jul-Aug 1968
Hupmobile Issue with several articles about the cars, the company, restoration and R.C.H. cars.
AACA Antique Automobile, Vol. 62 Number 1, Jan-Feb 1998
(Part one of three) early years of Hupp Motor Car Co.
AACA Antique Automobile, Vol. 62 Number 2, Mar-Apr 1998
(Part two of three) middle years of car company
AACA Antique Automobile, Vol. 62 Number 3, Jul-Aug 1998
(Part three of three) late years of car company
VMCC The Bulb Horn, Vol. 24 Number 1, Jan-Feb 1963
Nine-page article with B/W photos
HCCA Horseless Carriage Gazette, Vol. 33 Number 6, Nov-Dec 1971
Ten-page article on Model 20 Hupmobiles
Cars and Parts, Magazines Vol. 19 Numbers 5 through 9, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug 1976, 5-part article about the company, cars and the people who made them
Collectible Automobile, Vol. 6 Number 4, 1989
15-page article with photos of Hupmobiles in the 1930s
The Hupmobile Motor Car in Australia, 1988, Duncan Hudson, Baulderstone Printing, Edwardstown, South Australia
Where can I find more information about the Hupp Motor Car Co. and/or the Hupmobile cars?
Detroit Public Library; National Automobile History Collection; AACA Reference Library at Hershey, Pennsylvania; Library of Philadelphia; and Automobile Reference Collection are a few places having material available about Hupmobiles and the Hupp Motor Car Co.
When was the Hupmobile Club Formed?
For 30 years after production ended, those who had and appreciated the Hupmobile belonged to local and national automobile clubs. In 1970 the Hupmobile Club was formed to aid those who wanted to preserve the great name of Hupmobile. Initially it was a local California car club, but word of its existance spread rapidly and the club became international, with members all around the globe. Later the Hupmobile Club expanded to include the R-C-H and Hupp-Yeats automobiles.
Today, Hupmobile remains proof of the quality and craftsmanship that went into making the Hupps of yesteryear. The Hupp reputation for stability, reliability, comfort and solid value are still present.
How many members are in the club?
The Hupmobile Club has over 650 members worldwide (owning over 800 Hupmobiles) in more than 18 countries.
What are the benefits of being a club member?
Membership benefits include:
Access to materials in the club's library such as owners' manuals, parts manuals, service bulletins, advertising ads, and other literature.
Answers to questions about the operation, repair and maintenance of a car built over 60 years ago from the club's Technical Advisors. A Technical Advisor is available for each year and model Hupmobile.
Free placement of ads in the Parts Locator. Members place ads for things they need or have for sale. The Parts Locator is sent six times per year to all the members worldwide.
Notice of Special Projects. Club members have additional parts and pieces made, and make these items available to club members for a limited time.
The Hupp Herald, the club magazine which is sent three times a year, contains articles, photos, technical information, service bulletins, general information of interest to members, copies of newspaper and magazine ads for Hupmobiles, and much more.
Attending Hupp Gatherings and enjoying the company of other Hupmobile enthusiasts. Each Hupp Gathering is different and they range from backyard cookouts to 4- or 5-day touring events. The decision as to the type of event is left to those putting on the event. Notice of the dates and location of the Hupp Meet is sent with the Parts Locator.