1927 Essex Super Six Four-Door Sedan

For those of you who are not au fait with early American automobiles, the name Essex will be a little unfamiliar. They were built by the Essex Motor Company between 1918 and 1922 and subsequently by the parent Hudson Motor Company of Detroit between 1922 and 1933. Introduced as a lower-priced companion to the Hudson range, the Essex soon became synonymous with both high performance and reliability when an example averaged over 60mph for 50 hours in December 1919. Essex's big news for 1924 was the switch from four to six-cylinders and, in 1927, it was renamed Super Six showcasing the larger and more powerful engine for that year, however, four-wheel Bendix mechanical brakes had to wait until 1928. Unfamiliar the name may be but, by 1929, the Essex ranked third in US sales behind Ford and Chevrolet. They were built under licence in a number of countries including the UK.

This 1927 Super Six Sedan is indeed one of those UK-built, right-hand drive cars and was exported to Uruguay some time later before returning to the UK in 2000 at which point it benefitted from a light refresh. It was subsequently purchased by our vendor just over 12 years ago and has basically been totally refurbished over the last 10 years with the exception of the paintwork which he prefers to leave as is.

We understand that this work included the engine rebuilt and tuned. The original block was replaced as it had rusted through at the water outlet however the replacement block is correct and dates from 1925. It was fitted with new pistons, new valves, new valve springs and new bearings. Further work included a new radiator core, conversion to 12v, electronic ignition, re-wire, new petrol tank made in stainless steel, new spokes on all wheels, new brake linings, new brake rods, new leather upholstery and Axminster carpet. The vacuum system was removed and the car now utilises an electric petrol pump and electric windscreen wiper.

This rare Vintage Essex saloon presents well in cream and black with a brown leather interior and sits on matching spoked wheels. It’s not Concours but a good usable example of early Americana that’s been sensibly upgraded and starts and runs well with decent wipers and lights. 1927 was the final year of two-wheel brakes and retardation of BS 9297 relies on the rear-wheels only, so an enhanced sense of anticipation comes in handy. All good character-building stuff and great fun.