The Essex Motors Company produced small, affordable automobiles. It had been created by the Hudson Motor
Car
Company for the purpose of creating a smaller version of its Super-Six.
The first Essex was first shown in 1919 after it had been delayed due
to World War I. The vehicles great quality, durability, and vibration
free four-cylinder motor made it an instant success. Over the years,
sales continued to escalate and propelled the Hudson Motor Car Company
into third place in overall sales for 1929.
The example
shown is a two-passenger Speedabout boattail. There is a rumble seat
which the company had claimed could carry up to two individuals. This
may have been the case for children but in reality, was suitable for
only one adult.
The vehicle has coachwork by Biddle and
Smart of Amesbury, Massachusetts. The six-cylinder engine with Marvel
carburetor was capable of producing 55
horsepower. This meant that the 2500 pound vehicle with boattail body could propel to a top speed of around 70 miles per hour.
In most cases, the Hudson Company only produced Speedabouts as show
cars to gauge public interest and to generate press and popularity.