You all know Henney as the coachbuilder that turned out plenty of funeral cars, especially for Packard later in the companies’ existences. But in the 1920s and early 1930s, the Illinois-based company also built a very limited number of passenger cars (live passenger cars, that is), including this 1931 Henney convertible, which is being touted as the only remaining Henney passenger car. From the seller’s description:
Chassis Number: 2723
Only Known Survivor268.6 cid inline eight-cylinder motor rated at 98 horsepower, three-speed manual transmission, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 127”. Most noted for the production of hearses and funeral vehicles as far back as 1916, Henney also dabbled in other coachwork on occasion. In 1929, Henney produced 100 taxicabs on stretched Model A Ford chassis. In 1930 and 1931, Henneys rode on a purpose-built chassis that closely resembled that of the auto industry’s style leader, Cadillac. Their ambulances were advertised as being completely equipped, and their NU-three-way side-loading coaches were racking up sales at the expense of their competition. In addition to the frosted/leaded/beveled or plain rear quarter-window options, new interior window treatments were available as well and included wicker window inserts, mini-blinds, or airline-style draperies. The abilities of the company were seemingly unlimited.
Henney introduced beaver-tail styling to their coach bodies in 1933. By 1934, they had abandoned assembly of their own chassis and were building on Cadillac, Lincoln, Oldsmobile, Packard, and Pierce-Arrow chassis. As a precursor to this era, Henney is believed to have built four very special convertibles. It is noted that John W. Henney Jr., was a good friend of Errett Lobban Cord and was challenged to come up with a car equally as classy as those Cord was producing in Indiana. Utilizing an Auburn chassis and proper Lycoming Inline-Eight motor, this well proportioned custom motorcar is a showstopper. It features many elements that are the best of the era including Duesenberg-styled front end and fenders as well as Bijoux lubrication system. It has received a recent full cosmetic restoration and much nickel-plating throughout. While it is also believed that Henney produced two such examples in 1931 and two in 1932, this is the only known survivor to be admired.
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