The Terraplane brand, launched in 1932 by the Hudson Motor Car Company, holds a niche but notable place in automotive history. Originated during the throes of the Great Depression, Terraplane was introduced as a more affordable option under the Hudson umbrella, spearheaded by the company’s founders, Roy D. Chapin and Howard Coffin. Known for its robust engineering and stylish design, the original Terraplane models quickly made a mark, outpacing Hudson’s higher-priced cars in popularity at times.

The early Terraplanes gained fame for their performance and durability. In fact, they were celebrated for their impressive power output and were a popular choice among gangsters during the 1930s for their speed and reliability. The cars were even endorsed by the legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart, adding a dash of celebrity glamour that further cemented their place in the annals of automotive lore.

However, the journey was not to last. By 1938, the Terraplane name was phased out as Hudson decided to streamline its brand and focus on other models. Despite their disappearance pre-World War II, the legacy of Terraplane lives on in the hearts of classic car enthusiasts and collectors, a testament to a brief, yet brilliant, flicker in the automotive timeline. Today, while no longer in production, Terraplanes remain a symbol of innovation and style, revered for their historical significance and mechanical ingenuity.

Main image via: By <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/43588250@N07">Mick</a> from Northamptonshire, England – <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/panasonic-kei/4885411319/">Hudson Terraplane Tourer 1934</a>, CC BY 2.0, Link

Logo via: By <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/32109282@N00">JOHN LLOYD</a> from Concrete, Washington, United States – <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/hugo90/7966985412/">Hudson Terraplane</a>, CC BY 2.0, Link