How Many Hupp Skylarks Were Built? by Eric L. Johnson
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	Hupmobile Skylark Production Skylark production predates Hollywood production and it is appropriate to note the prototype and pilot models created for the Hupp Motor Car Corporation. The original Junior Six was the direct basis for the Skylark (serial number XAA-04) and this prototype’s evolution can be easily traced. The Junior Six was created directly from a completed Cord body in the Hupp plant during August and September of 1938; extensive modifications and rebuilds were accomplished during this period. The three pilot Skylark cars were probably constructed during November and December of 1938. The public introduction of these cars was in January 1939.  Although the evidence is not conclusive, there are strong indications that the three pilot cars were incorporated in the serialization of “production” 1939 Skylarks (serial numbers R100501 to R100532). The Hayes body numbers begin with 282-5001 for sedans, and 283-5001 for the lone convertible. 1939 Hupmobile Skylarks built by Hayes Body Corporation Although the highest known 1939 Skylark serial number is R100531, it can be assumed the R100532 is the final number used. This can be deduced from the fact that the 1940 Skylarks begin with R100533, with engine number R100533 and Graham-Paige body number 680-01. If a Skylark did in fact carry the R100532 serial number, it may have been a convertible. Another interesting facet of the Hayes-built 1939 Skylarks is that disproportionately few of them have survived.   Perhaps the primary reason for the scarcity of 1939 Skylarks is the Graham-Paige may have used up to 20 of these cars in April of 1940 to create a pre-production batch of publicity cars. An inspection of the factory photos used by Graham-Paige to publicize the Hollywood reveals that the images were actually airbrushed photos of Skylarks. These “Hollywood prototype photos” also featured cars with Skylark bumpers, wipers mounted over the windshield, exterior vent windows, and a radio antennae mounted on the top of the cowl; these details were never seen on any production Hollywoods or Skylarks. Undoubtedly, another reason for the small number of surviving 1939 Skylarks may be that their component parts were later used in the restoration of similarly manufactured Cords.