The Hudlass

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Sir,
I was interested to see the name Hudlass appear in “Rumblings.” your issue April, 1955, and to learn of the reader who encountered a small two-door coupé with bull-nose radiator bearing a Union Jack and licensed as a Hudlass.

Your correspondent also referred to Hudlass as going out of business before 1910, as quoted by Doyle.

The Hudlass referred to by Doyle is my grandfather, Mr. F. W. Hudlass, O.B.E., M.I.Mech.E., Chief Engineer of the Royal Automobile Club from the days of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland in 1903 until 1947 when he retired and my father Mr. Maurice Hudlass took over the position which he still holds. Prior to joining the staff of the Club in 1903 my grandfather was an established manufacturer of petrol-engined cars and his first model completed in 1896 is considered by many to be one of the first petrol cars to be designed and manufactured by an Englishman, in this respect my grandfather was a contemporary of F. W. Lanchester. Although now in his eighty-first year he still drives his car daily.

The car seen by your correspondent was built by my father’s brother, Mr. Leonard Hudlass, Transport Engineer to the Royal Automobile Club, it was completed in 1932 and has had continuous use since, myself having owned it since 1950.

Briefly for your information, it has a 1926 Riley radiator and engine driving through a Lanchester gearbox and a Model-T Ford rear axle of 1922 vintage. The chassis was designed and built by Mr. L. Hudlass but manufactured by Messrs. Rubery Owen.

If your correspondent lives in or near to London and cares to communicate with me I can arrange for him to see the car and have a run in it.

I am, Yours, etc.,
Michael Hudlass.
London, W.7.