The Aerodynamic Hupmobile was originally designed by industrial designer Raymond Loewy in 1934 with assistance from Amos Northup, both early proponents of streamlining. The new Hupmobile eliminated the traditional freestanding headlight assemblies and faired them into the fender catwalks. The initial design also featured a unique wraparound three-piece windshield which gave the illusion of motion while at rest.
Hupp’s Aerodynamic was an attempt to gently introduce this new aesthetic fashion, as the company was aware of the buying public’s aversion to radical change. Unfortunately, Hupp’s efforts did not yield success, as the company was significantly weakened by the Great Depression and produced its last car in 1940.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN |
ENGINE |
HORSEPOWER |
NUMBER BUILT |
United States | Inline Six, 245 C.I. | 101 | 950 (1936-37) |
Exhibited courtesy of Greg Drufke of Michigan City, Indiana
DID YOU KNOW? |
Raymond Loewy Associates was retained by Studebaker in 1936 and remained with the company until 1955. Loewy returned in 1961 to create the Avanti. |
Photo Credit: Visit South Bend
About this Series
Streamlined: Style on Motion was on display at the Museum in 2019. This series of articles comes for the displays from that exhibition.