Essex production began in a former Studebaker plant, with the marque quickly establishing a foothold in the marketplace courtesy of several AAA records. Essex was early to recognize the growing interest in closed cars, offering America’s lowest-priced version starting in 1922. At $1,495, just $300 more than a touring model, one could purchase an Essex four-passenger coach. By 1925, the coach was priced five dollars less than the touring car and sold well, contributing significantly to Hudson being the third-largest producer of American automobiles in 1929. In 1933, the Essex name was dropped in favor of a new model called the Terraplane.

The 1929 Essex line was officially known as Essex the Challenger and was debuted with a week of Hudson-sponsored public performance challenges hosted by dealers nationwide. In addition to the robust 55-horsepower engine, the car now boasted more important styling, with a larger radiator shell and broad beltline molding that recalled its Hudson cousins.

The handsome town sedan offered here, a rare enclosed “two-window” model, still wears the majority of its original paint and mohair interior, which is in good, presentable, and usable condition, with solid wood; all four doors fit to original standards. The etched dashboard face is particularly attractive, and the car is still equipped with an original Liberty car heater. There is significant surface corrosion underneath the fenders, but overall, the car appears mechanically solid and could be returned to the road with thorough servicing.

Ideal for freshening and driving or as the solid basis for restoration of an unusual model, this is a nice old car that stands ready for any “Challenge”!