Specifications:Series 65, 113hp, 254 cu. in. L-head inline eight-cylinder engine, Carter 330S carburetor, three-speed "Electric Hand" preselector transmission, radial safety control front suspension and semi-floating rear axle, four-wheel Duo-Serve hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 120"The Hudson Motor Company was founded in 1908 and enjoyed great success as one of America's leading car manufacturers in its early years. Until 1930 the firm ranked in the top five, with its inexpensive four-cylinder Essex model topping the sales charts. Hudson's reputation was built on its solid and reliable Six and Super Six models in the 1920s. When Hudson's sister marque, Essex, moved to a six in 1924, the pressure mounted on the more upscale Hudson. For several years, a trend toward engines of straight eight-cylinder configuration had been gaining strength. They had caught the fancy of the public; they were the kind of engine to have, and more and more automakers were including them in their lineups. The Hudson hierarchy decided that in order to enjoy the fruits of this boom, it was essential that they put a straight eight in their cars. Gripped by the strength of the trend, Hudson jumped on the straight eight powered bandwagon with all-out determination. The result, introduced in 1930, was appropriately named the Hudson Eight. With up to the minute styling and a powerful engine, throughout the thirties the Hudson Eight admirably upheld Hudson's performance image.In 1936 Hudson introduced hydraulic brakes for the first time on its Eight. This system worked in combination with Hudson's unique "Duo-Serve" system, which provided a mechanical backup via linkage from the brake pedal to the parking break mechanism. This feature would remain standard on all full size Hudsons through the life of the marque.The 1936 Hudson Custom Eight Convertible Coupe presented here is only one of only six known survivors. The recipient of an 11 year restoration, the Hudson is presented with a Glacier Blue exterior and a brown interior, and remains in fantastic condition. The standard equipment found only on the Custom Eight series includes the large wheel covers, a "banjo style" steering wheel, a radio with under-the-running-board antenna, and a cigar lighter. The Convertible Coupe also sports various optional equipment including fender mounted parking lights, an electric clock and the "Electric Hand" vacuum-electric transmission control system. Another interesting feature found on this Hudson Custom Eight is the disappearing roll-down wind wings. So exceptional is its appearance that the Franklin Mint has chosen this car to recreate in miniature as a forthcoming model to be released this fall.Highly successful on the showfield, this Hudson won an AACA President's Cup Award in 2000, and in 2002 it secured a Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance Best in Class and an AACA Grand National 1st Place award. Most recently, in February of this year, the Hudson won a Platinum Award for Pre-War Vintage 1925-1942 Automobiles at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance. Additionally, the car was featured in the March/April 2001 White Triangle News, the official publication of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club.Enhancing this Hudson's appeal, the original owner's and service manuals as well as a collection of original brochures, paint chips, and period advertisements are included in the sale of the Custom Eight Convertible Coupe. Being a rare survivor and fully restored to concours quality condition, this Hudson, finished in stunning shade of blue, will add flare to any prewar collection of American automobiles.