1927 Essex Super-Six

The Essex is a great example of the ‘every man’s’ car of the late 1920s. With a fully enclosed body, electric starter, electric lights, and a powerful straight-six engine, Essex rightfully established their place in the market. Luxury brands, such as Jordan, were quickly losing ground to the more affordable and practical cars that Essex offered.

Over 1.13 million Essex cars were produced in the years between 1919 and 1932, though all models were made under Hudson after 1922. More than just a popular and affordable car, Essex cars showcased their performance through a 3,037-mile endurance test in 1919. The car completed the test in 50 hours, averaging 60.75 miles per hour. Four years later, a special Essex race car broke records when it won the 1923 Pike’s Peak Hill Climb in 18 minutes, 47.4 Seconds.

This Super-Six would have originally sold for $785, nearly double the price of a Ford Model T of the same year. Though Ford is credited with creating the affordable car, Essex made the enclosed car affordable. Essex’s popularity expanded beyond the United United States. Vehicles were built locally in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.