Registration No: Unregistered
Chassis No: 87276
MOT: None

• Current family ownership since 1999
• MOT tested in 2000 and dating letter on file but UK registration process never completed
• Engine partially stripped and in need of repair

Relatively unknown outside its native USA, the Hupmobile marque was founded in 1909 by Robert Hupp and Charles Hastings who, between them, had amassed a wealth of experience at Oldsmobile, Ford and Regal. Their first offering, the 4-cylinder Model 20 (the 20 signified its hp rating) with 86-inch wheelbase was unveiled at the 1909 Detroit Motorshow in two-seater runabout guise, carrying a price tag of $750. Ever the innovators, in 1911 Hupmobile became the first manufacturer to sell motorcars to the US military, and the following year shared with BSA the honour of being the first makers in the world to produce all-steel car bodies. The first Hupmobile to feature such construction was the Model 32 – with longer wheelbase (106 inches) and more powerful four-cylinder engine (32hp) than the inaugural model, the newcomer was available with a range of Touring bodies, the most capacious of which could accommodate up to six passengers.

According to an accompanying faded facsimile on file, this particular example was purchased by Isle of Man resident John Arthur Holland from Elite Motors of Johannesburg, South Africa in 1997. Shipped to Port Douglas courtesy of Bahr, Behrend & Co Ltd with H.M. C&E Entry and Presentation Fees paid, the Hupmobile entered the current family ownership via the Brooks Beaulieu auction during September 1999. Passing a MOT test the following year, various attempts were made to UK register the Model 32 thereafter with a Dating Certificate being obtained from The Society of Automotive Historians in Britain etc. Sundry parts were sourced from the USA but the whole process became derailed when the engine developed problems. Partially stripped, the four-cylinder unit still requires repair and indeed the whole car would benefit from recommissioning / restoration.