Description
The Hudson Super Six 171 Coupe stood as one of the most graceful expressions of early American performance motoring—a car that blended the mechanical excellence of Hudson’s famed straight-six with the intimacy and poise of a personal luxury automobile. Introduced during the early 1920s as part of the expanding Super Six line, the 171 Coupe was designed for the discerning motorist who valued style and individuality as much as reliability and speed. It offered all the refinement of Hudson’s larger sedans, yet with a lighter, more sporting character that made it an instant favourite among professional men, touring enthusiasts, and those who appreciated fine machinery for its own sake.
When the Super Six name first appeared in 1916, it revolutionized Hudson’s standing in the industry. The company had produced capable cars before, but the Super Six was something new—technically advanced, fast, and smooth, with an engine that set new standards of refinement. By the time the 171-inch-wheelbase models appeared, Hudson had perfected the formula. The Coupe took this celebrated engineering and clothed it in a more compact, elegant body that combined beauty and practicality. It was a car for the owner-driver, not one to be chauffeured in, and its proportions reflected that sense of personal engagement.
Power came from Hudson’s 288-cubic-inch side-valve straight-six engine, producing around 76 horsepower in standard form—an extraordinary figure for the period. What made it special, however, was not just power but the manner in which it delivered it. Hudson’s engineers had pioneered a method of fine balancing that reduced friction and vibration throughout the crankshaft and rotating assembly. The result was an engine that could rev higher and more smoothly than its rivals, producing effortless acceleration and a velvety hum at cruising speed. The Super Six could easily reach 70 miles per hour, and its torque made it equally adept at climbing steep grades or gliding through traffic in high gear.
The chassis of the 171 Coupe shared its basic structure with the Sedan, but its shorter overhangs and lighter body gave it a noticeably more responsive feel. The frame was a sturdy ladder design with deep side members for rigidity, while semi-elliptic leaf springs and mechanical shock absorbers provided a supple yet controlled ride. The long wheelbase contributed to stability, making the car comfortable at speed and confident on poor roads. Steering was direct and well weighted, one of the Hudson’s defining strengths, while the large four-wheel mechanical brakes gave reassuring stopping power—an important advantage in an era when many cars still relied on rear-only systems.
Visually, the Hudson Super Six 171 Coupe captured the restrained elegance of early 1920s design. Its long hood and sweeping fenders suggested power and grace, while the gently sloping roofline and abbreviated rear deck gave it a more athletic stance than the taller sedans. The radiator shell, polished and upright, carried the Hudson emblem proudly at its centre, and nickel trim accentuated the headlamps, windshield frame, and door handles. The two-door configuration lent a sense of intimacy, while the proportions remained stately and well balanced. Many examples featured wood-spoked wheels and subtle two-tone paint schemes that emphasized the car’s refined character without unnecessary ornamentation.
Inside, the Coupe was a study in quiet luxury. The cabin was upholstered in fine mohair or broadcloth, with deep cushions and carefully finished details. The doors closed with a solid, satisfying weight, and the dashboard presented a simple but elegant array of instruments—speedometer, ammeter, oil pressure, and fuel gauge—all neatly grouped behind a wood or painted metal fascia. The driving position was upright but comfortable, offering an excellent view over the long hood. The cabin’s compact dimensions created a sense of privacy and enclosure that owners found appealing; it was a car designed for journeys taken alone or with a single companion, its refinement turning even short drives into small adventures.
The performance of the Super Six 171 Coupe reflected Hudson’s engineering philosophy: power used intelligently, rather than extravagantly. The car accelerated strongly from low speeds, its engine pulling smoothly through the gears with a deep, confident note. Once underway, it cruised with ease, the six-cylinder humming quietly as the landscape slipped past. Drivers praised its balance and composure—qualities that made it as capable on winding rural roads as it was on long-distance tours. Hudson’s reputation for reliability was well deserved; the Coupe could cover vast distances with little mechanical attention, and its rugged construction meant that even in harsh conditions, it rarely let its owner down.
Hudson made the most of these strengths in its advertising. The Super Six was promoted as a car of both performance and distinction—“The world’s greatest motor car value,” as one period brochure declared. Endurance runs and long-distance trials reinforced the message. Hudson cars set numerous records during the 1910s and 1920s, including cross-country speed drives and hill-climb victories, all achieved with engines closely related to those found in production cars. The Coupe, though less overtly associated with competition, shared the same mechanical heritage, making it a symbol of Hudson’s engineering credibility.
As motoring tastes evolved through the 1920s, the Super Six 171 Coupe continued to embody a balance between practicality and flair. It was neither ostentatious nor basic, and it appealed to a clientele who wanted something more than transportation. Its lines were modern without being radical, and its mechanical excellence gave it a quiet confidence that made even the most luxurious rivals seem overdecorated by comparison. In many ways, the Coupe was the purest expression of the Super Six concept—simple, strong, and beautifully made.
Today, the Hudson Super Six 171 Coupe is prized for its combination of elegance and mechanical authenticity. Restored examples reveal how advanced its design truly was, and how its understated style has aged with remarkable grace. On the road, it remains a pleasure to drive, the straight-six delivering its power with a smoothness that still feels refined a century later. Collectors value the Coupe for its rarity and its role in defining Hudson’s identity as a builder of high-quality performance cars long before the muscle era.
The Hudson Super Six 171 Coupe stands as a testament to the artistry of early American automotive design—a car that bridged the gap between Edwardian formality and modern motoring freedom. In its proportions, its craftsmanship, and its character, it embodied everything Hudson stood for: innovation without ostentation, performance without pretension, and engineering that elevated driving into an art.