Essex [4] (United States) - AllCarIndex

Essex Motors was an American automobile manufacturer established in 1918 in Detroit, Michigan. It was created as a subsidiary of Hudson Motor Car Company to compete with the growing market of low-priced vehicles produced by mass manufacturers such as Ford and Chevrolet. The name "Essex" was reportedly derived from a study of English counties, although it also suggested a six-cylinder engine, despite the fact that the initial models featured only four-cylinder engines.

The first Essex model was introduced in 1918, featuring an F-head engine of 2,950 cc that produced 55 horsepower, allowing for a top speed of 60 mph. Initially, only three body styles were available: a tourer, a roadster, and a sedan. Production began slowly due to World War I, with only 92 cars produced in 1918, but this number surged to 21,879 in 1919, surpassing Hudson's own production that year.

Essex gained recognition for its performance, participating in various endurance records, including a notable 3,037-mile journey in 50 hours at the Cincinnati Speedway. The introduction of the two-door coach sedan in 1922 marked a significant shift in the market, as it was priced closely to open models, making closed cars more accessible to consumers. By 1925, closed models accounted for 90 percent of production, reflecting a broader industry trend towards closed-body vehicles.

In 1924, Essex transitioned to a six-cylinder engine, which, while not as performance-oriented as the original four-cylinder, became immensely popular. The brand reached its peak sales in 1929, with over 227,000 units sold, placing it third in the American production league. Innovations such as four-wheel brakes became standard by 1928, and the introduction of the Essex Terraplane in 1932 offered a more affordable and stylish alternative to the standard Essex models.

By 1933, the Essex name was phased out as Hudson rebranded its junior range to simply Terraplane, marking the end of the Essex brand. Throughout its existence, Essex played a significant role in shaping the American automotive landscape, particularly in the evolution of closed-body vehicles.