Loewys Best: The 1932 Chicago Auto Show Hupmobile I-226 Eight Sport Victoria
The late 19th century and 20th century was a time that saw some of the most magnificent industrial achievements in the history of mankind and with that came some of the most wild and incredible styles and designs. The desire for technological advancement was huge especially with the invention of the internal combustion engine, cars, airplanes, electricity and the light bulb etc.. Everything from refrigerators, furniture, architecture and cars had designs that reflected modernism and technological advancement. In any conversation relating to 20th century design, one man cannot go without being mentioned and that is Raymond Loewy. Loewy had a wide range in terms of areas where his designs flourished. He designed everything from kitchen appliances to houses and even locomotives, eventually getting into automotive design where Hupmobile was his first stop.
Loewy was born in France where he studied and later graduated from the University of Paris, and in my honest opinion I believe that the French have the greatest styling abilities of all and that would really be the most true during the Art Deco period in the 1930's. While Loewy moved to the U.S. in 1919, more specifically to New York City, his French artistic eye was something almost unmatched by anyone. His design abilities landed him a job in New York as a window designer for Saks and Macys as well as a fashion illustrator for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue magazines, but it wasn't until 1932 when he would land his first automotive design commission and that was for Hupmobile. He redesigned their entire lineup giving Hupmobile a look that screamed Art Deco. Cycle fenders, crazy straight line/razor edge raised panels, low rooflines, suicide doors and airplane like dashboards, the 1932 Hupps were a real sight to behold. Best described as French Art Deco renderings that have come to life.
For 1932 Hupmobile offered both the F-222 small eight and the I-226 big eight cylinder, the latter being the ultimate of course with a powerful 103 horsepower flathead eight cylinder, almost equivalent in power to a super eight Packard of the same year. Most importantly the eight cylinder I-226's had a much longer nose than their smaller 8 cylinder siblings and a much longer wheelbase coming in at 126 inches, 4 inches longer than the F-222 and all in the nose of the car making it even more proportionally appealing. Originally very few Eight cylinder I-226's were produced, especially in the more sporty body styles such as the coupe, Sport Victoria or the coupe roadster. Today there are only 3 three window coupes in existence and only one victoria.
Introduced for the first time at the Chicago Auto Show in 1932, the new "cycle fendered" Hupps really did cause quite a stir because they didn't look like anything that the public had seen before, cars designed by a new school non-automotive French designer from New York City. The car chosen by Hupmobile for their premier stand was the super low, top of the line and most appealing I-226 eight cylinder Sport Victoria. Once the show was over that very car would stay in the Chicago area for over 20 years when it would be acquired by a collector from Indiana where it would remain until his end in the 1970's, passing to his son who would keep the car until only a few months ago when we were able to acquire it...
Offered here publicly for the first time is the 1932 Chicago Auto Show Hupmobile I-226 Victoria designed by Raymond Loewy. The only 1932 eight cylinder Victoria, this car is just amazing to see in person. It is so different from the norm of American classics, it was different back then and even more so today. It has such a youthful and sharp style that is just so cool. When sitting in the car, you sit low with a little windshield and airplane type gauges in your face. And when getting out the suicide doors swing out like a French Delahaye or Delage and its just got it, whatever it is. This car belongs in an early 1930's French Concours d'Elegance with a woman standing next to it wearing Chanel and holding her poodle.
Today the car still retains its original tan cloth upholstery which is in fantastic original condition and the outside of the car has been restored to like new condition in two tone light green which is absolutely stunning. The big "H" in the circle radiator mascot is simple and just awesome and this car is also equipped with a rare factory accessory chrome running board "bumper bars" that really look great as well as a factory trunk rack and chrome spoke wire wheels. Other accessories include Sparton musical air horns, dual pilot ray driving lights, dual Lorraine windshield spotlights and an original Hupmobile header mounted clock. It runs and drives incredibly smooth and is just a joy to drive. If you are looking for a stunning, stylish and special 1930's American car, this car is unlike anything of its kind. The definition of art on wheels. Contact us today for more information. Asking: $165,000 for this wonderful car.
Alex
