The First Time the Hoffman has Been Shown on This Side of the Atlantic.

The experimental 1935 Hoffman X-8, which has been kept concealed from the public eye for decades, will be on display at the Concours d'Elegance for the first time ever in 2023. This is the first time the Hoffman has been exhibited on this side of the Atlantic, although it has already won awards at some of the most prestigious concours competitions in North America.

This streamlined, startlingly innovative 1930s special will be on display for visitors to this year's glamorous event, which will be held in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace from September 1st to 3rd.

In the early 1930s, a group of American brothers known as the Fishers had designs on taking control of the venerable Hudson Motor Company, inspiring the idea for the automobile. The brothers felt they needed a cutting-edge vehicle to establish their credibility, put them at the forefront of the automotive industry, and demonstrate their seriousness about the takeover effort.

1936 Hoffman X8 Prototype car - Credit Bary Seldon

The Fishers went to Roscoe C. "Rod" Hoffman, an eccentric but inventive designer, engineer, and car builder, in pursuit of a truly revolutionary idea. Hoffman was an interesting character and genuine automotive visionary; he collaborated with major automakers on various innovative ideas, such as a front-wheel-drive Packard in the 1930s, and he accumulated patents for unconventional powertrain arrangements long before they became commonplace.

The Fishers gave Hoffman an unusual assignment and swore him to secrecy, so he could come up with something completely fresh. The finished product, an aerodynamic steel-bodied vehicle with a tapered, teardrop-like body with fared-in headlights, is pretty remarkable and will be displayed at Hampton Court Palace this September.

It is unclear how the automobile was constructed because Hoffman kept his vow and buried the car's secrets with him. The 60-degree water-cooled overhead-valve 'X-8' engine that powers the automobile is also said to have been designed and built entirely by Hoffman, down to the casting of the block. It was an impressive feat of engineering for such a tiny enterprise, especially one that had been in existence for over eighty years, to create the first and only engine of its kind. The odd engine, tucked up under the bench seat and behind the axle, powered the rear wheels through a manual gearbox with three gears.

1936 Hoffman X8 Prototype car - Credit Bary Seldon

Although the X-8 was unquestionably revolutionary, it was also manufactured at a shockingly high level. One might be excused for mistaking this mysterious prototype for a mass-produced model. The X-8 is still in fantastic, fascinatingly original form despite being far into its ninth decade.

In the end, the Fishers' takeover of Hudson didn't happen, and Hoffman kept the Fishers' statement automobile stored away until he gave it as a present to designer Stevens in the 1960s. After that, the X-8 became a prized part of the Stevens family's collection, where it remained for many years before finally being sold. In the early 2010s, the X-8 was acquired by its current owner, who has since conducted extensive studies on the vehicle, discovered a wealth of previously unknown information, and displayed it publicly.

Since then, this unique and interesting automobile has been displayed at prestigious concours events around the United States, including Pebble Beach and the Concours d'Elegance of America, where it has received widespread recognition. The Historic Vehicle Association recognised Hoffman's design with the National Automotive Heritage Award, which is given to just a handful of vehicles each year for their significant contributions to the development of the automobile industry in the United States.

1936 Hoffman X8 Prototype car - Credit Bary Seldon

James Brooks-Ward, Concours of Elegance CEO, said: “We are honoured to be welcoming the one-of-a-kind Hoffman to the Concours of Elegance in 2023 for its European debut. This September’s event is set to be a truly special opportunity to savour this significant, innovative motorcar with a captivating story, right here in the UK. We cannot wait for you to join us for the latest incarnation of our ultimate automotive extravaganza, which will once again feature the rarest and most spectacular cars in the world.”

For the glitzy event in September, the Hoffman will be shown with 70 other rare and magnificent concours vehicles. The Concours of Elegance will include and display an additional 1,000 automobiles in addition to the main display.

The Concours of Elegance 2023 will once again be a glitzy event, with champagne from Charles Heidsieck, picnics from Fortnum & Mason, and a slew of exhibits showcasing fine art, jewellery, and fashion. A. Lange & Söhne, the event's presenting partner, will once again present a selection of its finest mechanical clocks.

Discover more: Concours of Elegance