SOLVED: WTH # 271 - 1931 Henney Roadster

[sixtee5cuda]

What is the year and make of this stylish convertible?

[frederick59]

Hispano Suiza?

[sixtee5cuda]

Not Hispano-Suiza

[fyreline]

1931 Henney convertible, from the famous Freeport, Illinois manufacturer of funeral cars and ambulances (mostly on Packard chassis). Henney is believed to have built just four of these very special convertibles utilizing an Auburn chassis and Lycoming Inline-Eight motor. Henney produced two such examples in 1931 and two in 1932, and this is the only known survivor.

[sixtee5cuda]

Fyreline is correct.  Here is a picture of another 1931 Henney in 2008, although it may be the same car.

[sixtee5cuda]

moderator, please move to solved....

[Allemano]

done.

[fyreline]

For some reason the second car's body looks slightly different to me in the seating area . . . And of course the side mounts and their fender wells are not there in the first picture. I'm always a bit suspicious of those "Only one known to exist" claims, but further research uncovered the same serial number (#2723) for both cars pictured, so it may be a valid claim. The few articles that exist on these cars usually mention the friendship between Mr. Henney and E. L. Cord, which helps explain the Auburn chassis and Lycoming engine. Sometimes the styling is referred to as "Duesenberg - like", but frankly I don't see it (other than the pirated Duesenbird radiator ornament).  A good puzzle subject, it's nice to see these obscure but significant cars featured. I'll bet a lot of classic car fans were well aware of Henney due to their Packard professional car history, but may not have known Henney built a few cars of their own.