While Detroit automaker Hudson was more famous for its solid medium-priced automobiles, during the Classic Era it proudly offered limited-production upper-line models dressed with stylish semi-custom coachwork.

Among these was the 1929 Model L Greater Special Six, which was actually the longest and heaviest Hudson chassis ever, with a handsomely engineered, smooth-running 288-cubic-inch six-cylinder engine on an overbuilt 139-inch-wheelbase frame with four-wheel Steeldraulic brakes. Hudson’s longstanding builder of special coachwork, Biddle & Smart of Amesbury, Massachusetts supplied beautifully crafted aluminum bodies, equal to any Cadillac, Lincoln, or Packard of the period in their smartness of line. Like the Lincolns of the era, the Greater Special Six was a great cruiser and, like Lincolns of the era, renowned for unusually fine performance from a not terribly high amount of engine output—in this case 88 horsepower.

This Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton was said to be one of only about 17 produced on the Greater Special Six chassis, though that number is unconfirmed. It is believed to be one of just seven remaining extant. Restored some years ago in this striking combination of dark sapphire and pale blue with brown leather interior and tan cloth top, it was formerly one of many Hudsons in the noted collection of the late John Soneff, proprietor of Soneff’s Master Garage in Denver, Colorado.

The Phaeton shows some patina and wear to its finishes, in particular to areas of the paint and some cracking to the upholstery, but has considerable eye appeal, nonetheless. With proper servicing, it would be an excellent touring automobile and an uncommon choice for Antique Automobile Club of America and Classic Car Club of America events. In short, there are few grander or, indeed, “Greater” Hudsons.