Vehicle Description
In 1916, Hudson was enjoying steady success in the automobile
market. The Detroit-based company may not have been the biggest
manufacturer, but they offered a high quality car with excellent
performance at a reasonable price. Soon, however, other
manufacturers began offering cut-priced brands that threatened to
undermine Hudson sales. It was decided that Hudson would join the
low-price car market with a new sub-brand called Essex. Production
began in 1918, but war efforts meant that just 92 cars would be
built that year. 1919 proved to be an altogether different story,
with 21,879 Essex cars delivered. As with Hudson before, Essex
quickly earned a reputation for excellent performance, quality and
reliability at a very competitive price. Initially powered by a
line of F-head four-cylinder engines, the Essex range gained an
all-new inline six in 1924. By 1927 the so-called "Super Six" had
completely replaced the four-cylinder lineup as Essex crept closer
to its Hudson siblings in price and performance. Also in 1927,
Essex introduced the stylish little "Sportabout" roadster with
handsome rumble-seat boat-tail coachwork. At just $700, the
Sportabout was a tremendous value, and it is said that even Henry
Ford took note and considered offering his upcoming Model A with a
more powerful engine in order to compete with Esssex. The momentum
at Essex continued into the 1930s when, in 1931 the styling was
thoroughly refreshed and the engine was enlarged to 175 cubic
inches. Now producing a healthy 60 horsepower, the Speedabout was
renamed "Sport Roadster" and wore a stylish new body, which was
built by Murray of Detroit. Despite remaining an outstanding value
at just $725, the Sport Roadster did not sell in large numbers and
was dropped in 1932, which incidentally was also the final year of
the Essex name, as it would be called "Terraplane" from 1933
onward. One of just a handful of known survivors, this delightful
1931 Essex Super Six Sport Roadster is handsomely presented in
period-correct livery, wearing a well-preserved older restoration.
This car was once part of the legendary William F. Harrah
collection, and it is said to have been in very original condition
when it was sold at auction following Mr. Harrah's death in 1984.
It was purchased by a collector from Oregon who would eventually
treat it to a full restoration in the colors it wears today. The
understated cream body and light brown fenders are accented with
attractive green trim and wheels - the same color scheme shown in
the 1931 Essex brochure. Following its restoration, the Essex
remained in the same Oregon collection until around 2007, trading
hands twice more since. With each subsequent owner, the Essex has
been kept in fine condition yet also appears to have been used and
driven, with the restoration now showing a light patina that
encourages regular enjoyment. As the value and style leader of the
Essex line, this Sport Roadster is very well equipped with dual
sidemount spares with hard covers, wire wheels, Essex radiator
mascot, twin trumpet horns, a folding windscreen and twin tail
lights. The fittings and plating remain in very good condition, and
the body exhibits good overall fit and alignment. The two-seat
cockpit is trimmed in tan leather and carpet with matching
materials used in the rumble seat. The leather has taken on a
charming character, showing some use but remaining supple and in
good order. Under the hood, the correct 175 cubic inch engine is
presented in good condition overall, with tidy detailing and a
period-correct appearance. The chassis and undercarriage are
similarly tidy, showing some use but remaining in good order. True
to form, this Essex is a delightful driver's car with ample power
from the six-cylinder engine and an easy to use 3-speed manual
gearbox. All Essex cars of the era were equipped with reliable
Bendix four-wheel mechanical brakes. Approachable and with an
appealing patina, this Essex would be right at home in AACA events
or similar Hudson Club tours and gatherings. Rare, stylish and
overflowing with charm, this Essex Super Six is perhaps one of the
most affordable entries into the rarified world of Boattail
Speedster ownership.
