This 1916 Hudson Series H Super Six, built on its original chassis and powered by its original engine, was specially prepared by the Burdick team for Great Race competition. The car took part in the rally in 1997, 1998, and 2000, with Burdick and Bell behind the wheel, winning the 2000 Great Race from Boston, MA, to Sacramento, CA.
Richard L. Burdick, a passionate competitor and supporter of the Great Race, a timed, cross-country vintage car rally launched in 1983, was a legend in the event’s history. Alongside his friend and skilled navigator Wayne Bell, Burdick competed in the first 25 Great Races, earning a record-setting five overall victories. He also served as a part-owner and official for over 25 years.
After joining the Stahl Collection in 2019, the Hudson was restored to race-ready condition and returned to the competition in 2019 and 2021, driven by Brad Phillips and Dan Stahl.
Its tapered boattail speedster body, polished aluminum engine cover, and side exhaust reflect the style of a period Indianapolis racer. Under the hood, the 300 CI inline six-cylinder engine and lightweight build deliver a top speed of 102 MPH, making this Hudson both a piece of racing history and a high-performance vintage machine.
Company History
In an era when “all-new” often meant minor updates, the 1916 Hudson Super Six was a genuine breakthrough. Debuting January 16, 1916, this radical new model doubled Hudson’s production, propelling the company to 9th place in the booming U.S. auto industry. At its heart was a revolutionary 288.5 cu. in. side-valve inline-six with a counterbalanced crankshaft, improved breathing, and reduced internal friction, delivering 76 hp, nearly 60% more than its predecessor, without increasing displacement. This engineering leap left rival six-cylinder engines instantly outdated. Affordable performance was key: prices started at $1,375 for the roadster, offering record-setting speed and quality at a fraction of the cost of competitors. The Super Six achieved 102 mph at Daytona Beach, set endurance and hill climb records, and redefined what buyers could expect from a performance car in its class.
The Hudson Super Six established the brand’s lasting reputation for speed, endurance, and value, laying the groundwork for future racing dominance, including its later success in NASCAR.
