I’m still stuck in the Wayback Machine, now contemplating a 1923 Essex two-door sedan, produced by Hudson. Unlike the 1924 Nash we just featured, this example is wearing an older restoration, and it runs and drives well. It’s available here on craigslist for $6900 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (visit the AACA Museum while you’re there – it’s just down the road). Rocco B sent us this tip – thanks!
Essex was founded as a standalone division of Hudson in 1918, aiming to carve out market share in the affordable portion of the price spectrum. Its first cars were tourers since they could be sold cheaply, but later, the company wrangled its way into the closed-coach niche, eventually undercutting the Model T’s price. The brand persisted into 1932, when it was replaced by the Terraplane. Like the Nash we just reviewed, the Essex offered more power than the 20 hp offered by Henry Ford’s ubiquitous T: the engine here is a three-main, 179 cu. in. F-head four-cylinder, good for about 55 hp. Braking is supplied by mechanical drums in the rear, while gear changes are courtesy of a non-synchro three-speed sliding gear transmission. The seller notes his car “has not run in three years”, but the fuel system has been rebuilt. A small oil leak is coming from “a rear seal”- if that’s the rear main, it’s like a rope seal.
The interior shows every bit of that “older restoration” the seller mentions: it’s spiffy in here! Cloth upholstery was typical, though later Essex offered leather. As is typical of cars of the era, the starting procedure involves hand controls on the steering wheel.
The Essex’s paint has seen better days. Note that tail lenses are mounted only on the left fender – sometimes a buyer could opt for another set at extra cost, but this brand was in the business of affordability, so options were few in the 1920s. The top is complicated, comprised of a steel frame, wood bows, batting, and a weatherproof fabric covering. Finding parts – should the need arise – will be a challenge for the new owner of this Essex. The club, while it exists, has little information posted – just a smattering of events. A handful of Essex cars have shown up for sale over the years, but most are of the six-cylinder variety. Prices range from mid-four-figures to over $20k for outstanding examples. Would you ever own a car from the 1920s or 1930s?
It runs and looks to be in great shape! What a cool car !
The price tells the tale on these old vehicles. $6900 for a beautiful car that would take little to make it roadworthy. Interest wanes, and that’s a crying shame.
I am very interested, but $$$. 😐
It’s sad how these cars have been crowded off the roads due to increasing speed limits, and these cars’ inability to keep up.