Hudson Terraplane History

Launched on July 21, 1932 as the Essex-Terraplane, the Terraplane was Hudson's low-priced, lightweight line built to compete on power-to-weight during the Depression. Its high-performance-for-the-money reputation made it a sales success in a brutal market. Aviator Amelia Earhart took part in its public launch.

Dropping the Essex name, it became simply the Terraplane for 1934 and was known for strong acceleration from a light body — qualities that, in later lore, made it a favorite getaway car of the era. The line was absorbed into Hudson for 1938 (badged Hudson-Terraplane) and replaced by the Hudson 112, ending the Terraplane name.