Experimental 1930s Hoffman to make UK debut at Concours of Elegance
Thu, 18 May 2023
An experimental prototype from the 1930s will make its UK debut at the Concours of Elegance, taking place at Hampton Court Palace in September.
The 1935 Hoffman X-8 will be showcased for the first time on this side of the Atlantic. With a remarkable backstory and innovative design, the X-8 has earned accolades from renowned concours events in North America.
The Hoffman X-8's story begins in the early 1930s when the Fisher brothers, aiming to acquire the esteemed Hudson Motor Company, sought to demonstrate their automotive prowess.
To showcase their capabilities and position themselves at the forefront of the industry, they engaged the services of Roscoe C. "Rod" Hoffman, an eccentric and innovative designer, engineer and car builder.
Hoffman, known for his visionary approach, had previously worked on cutting-edge projects, including a front-wheel-drive Packard.
Tasked with creating something groundbreaking, Hoffman embarked on the project, sworn to secrecy. The result is a visually striking, aerodynamic steel-bodied sedan with a teardrop-like shape, adorned with sleek features ahead of its time.
The exact details of the car's construction remain shrouded in mystery, as Hoffman took many of its secrets to his grave. It is believed that Hoffman himself crafted the body, and the car's powerplant is equally exceptional.
The X-8 is equipped with a one-of-a-kind 60-degree water-cooled overhead-valve engine, aptly named the "X-8." The engine drives the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission positioned between the rear bench seat and rear axle.
Notably, the Hoffman X-8 boasts not only groundbreaking engineering but also impeccable craftsmanship both inside and out.
Following the failed takeover of Hudson by the Fisher brothers, the Hoffman X-8 remained under Hoffman's care, hidden from public view. Eventually, it was gifted to designer Brooks Stevens in the 1960s and became part of the Stevens family collection.
While other cars were sold off, the X-8 remained treasured. In the early 2010s, the car passed into the hands of its current owner, who extensively researched its history, unearthing new information and exhibiting the car to the public.
The Hoffman X-8 has received acclaim at concours events across the United States, including Pebble Beach and the Concours d'Elegance of America. It was also honored with the Historic Vehicle Association's esteemed "National Automotive Heritage Award," a recognition reserved for select cars that hold significant importance in American automotive history.
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