Fairfield couple keeps history alive with a rare 1911 Hupmobile
Fairfield couple keeps history alive with a rare 1911 Hupmobile
Driving through town, residents might witness a vehicle that takes them back to the early 20th Century. That car comes from a time before the invention of stoplights, when hand signals were used to turn, and top speeds barely cracked 40 mph.
The 1911 Hupmobile is owned by Parker and Gwen Ackley, a couple with an affinity for old vehicles. They also own a 1915 Dodge Brothers touring car that they’re hoping to get on the road soon. Parker Ackley explained where his passion stems from.
"I first got an interest in antique cars when I volunteered at the Old Rhinebeck aerodrome,” he said. “They have a number of antique cars that I would get to drive in the shows, and they had a 1912 version of this car. I was like, 'Gee, this is a fun car, so I was kind of on the lookout.'"
Later, the couple's dreams of owning a Hupmobile came true.
"One day, at an auction, two of them came up; 1911 and 1912. We decided to get this '11,” said Parker.
Parker added that the car is one of just an estimated 500 remaining worldwide. It's also one of just four he knows of in Connecticut.
“The original owner was a college student who went to school in upstate New York,” said Parker. “He bought this car, and all the accessories except for the luggage rack. There was about 15,000 of these that were made from the fall of [1909] to very early [1913].”
Due to its rareness, the car is the talk of the town.
"This year it’s been very popular,” said Parker. “People will come up and say, ‘Wow what year is it?’ An '11’?’ And another common question is ‘Is it a real car?'"
It helps that Parker and Gwen look the part too, as they wear 20th Century clothing when taking the Hupmobile for a spin.
"If we’re doing an event where we’re displaying the car, we try to bring people back in time,” said Parker.
Parker is the driver, and Gwen is his passenger princess. She has experience behind the wheel as well.
"I’ve driven in the beach parking lot where I don’t have to deal with any traffic,” said Gwen.
And while it might be 114 years old, the car runs like a dream.
"It’s sporty feel,” said Parker. “The design of the rear end is such that it’s also a built-in shock absorber, which in part shows the brilliant engineering it has. It has shock absorbers on the front that are after market, so the car holds the road very well, but you do feel every bump.”
Parker added that the Hupmobile goes about 35 mph.
“I can’t imagine any higher," he said. "This thing is scary enough at 25.”
Parker and Gwen are the two newest names on a long list of the car's old owners. Down the line, they hope that the vehicle's next owners are just like them. Parker elaborated.
"Someone who appreciates originality and antique cars,” said Parker. “I don’t have anyone specific in mind, but when the time comes, the first place I'll go to would be putting an ad in the Hupmobile newsletter.”
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Jamel Johnson is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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