"The spirit and vigor of youth are strongly reflected in the trim lines and graceful contours of the 1929 Essex Coupe.  Here is the ideal car for the small family or for the man who must spend much of his time on the road.  The wide, deep car is built widely enough to ensure ample comfort for passengers.  Leg room is provided for the tallest of drivers.  Beneath the gracefully curving rear deck is a rumble seat (optional) that is delightfully comfortable and of ample size for two large persons.  Unoccupied, and with the leather seat cushion removed, the rumble compartment is available for stowing traveling bags, camping gear, or simple cases."

"Ultra modern atmosphere is strongly suggested in the high moulded sides of the Phaeton.  As you slip into the deep leather seats the sides of the car enclose you to the armpits in luxurious cushioned comfort.  Yet the low chassis gives this tasteful model the same feeling of speed that is found in all the cars of the new Essex the Challenger line.  The leather upholstery is in harmony with the sports-cloth top.  The windshield frame and stanchion are in glistening chrome-plate.  With the top down the windshield may be laid forward on a flat racy line over the cowl."

Standard Equipment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator -- Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn -- Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock -- Windshield Folding Over Cowl -- Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps -- Combination Stop and Tail Light -- Glareless Rear View Mirror- Rain -- Proof Cowl Ventilator -- Oil Strainer- Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter -- Vacuum Booster -- Robe Rail -- Tire Carrier in Rear- Spare Rim -- Side Curtains with Rods -- Top Hold -- Down Straps -- Top Boot -- Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers –Chromium -- Plated Brightwork.

"The sedan, longer, wider, more luxurious than ever before, is a thoroughly practical family car that provides unusual distinction and assures long-lived pride of ownership.  The skillfully moulded body is sturdy, graceful and handsomely finished inside and out.  You will be impressed with the increased roominess, the greater depth of the seats, the relaxed easy posture and increased leg room.  Another interesting new feature is the regulating screw by which the front seat is adjusted.  It is easily operated even with the driver and a passenger on the seat.  And now, the rear seat, too, is adjustable."

Standard Equipment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator -- Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn -- Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock -- One-Piece Ventilating Windshield -- Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Sun Visor -- Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps -- Combination Stop and Tail Light -- Dome Light -- Glareless Rear View Mirror -- Rain-Proof Cowl Ventilator -- Oil Strainer-Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter -- Vacuum Booster -- Robe Rail- Companion Smoking Sets -- Rear Window Roller Shade -- Window Regulators -- Three Inside Door Locks -- One Outside Key Lock -- Tire Carrier in Rear -- Spare Rim -- Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers --Chromium-Plated Brightwork

"In this new Town Sedan, Essex designers and engineers have produced a car in which sensational performance is matched by impressive dignity.  The vigorous, powerful sweep of line that characterizes all the new Essex models has been skillfully retained so that the additional roominess and windows have been secured without sacrifice of trim modern lines.  An ideal car for general family use, the Town Sedan provides utmost comfort for long tours, and lends an air of distinction to the family that enjoys its convenience in widening the social horizon."

Standard EquiPment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator -- Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn - Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock  -- One-Piece Ventilating Windshield --Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Sun Visor --Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps --Combination Stop and Tail Light -- Dome Light - Glareless Rear View Mirror -- Rain-Proof Cowl Ventilator --- Oil Strainer-Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter --Vacuum Booster -- Robe Rail -- Companion Smoking Sets-Rear Window Roller Shade- Window Regulators -- Three Inside Door Locks -- One Outside Key Lock -Tire Carrier in Rear -- Spare Rim-Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers -- Chromium-Plated Brightwork.

"The new Convertible Coupe will be eagerly received by those motorists who enjoy the exhilaration of the open car but who also require at times the protection of the enclosed type.  Similar in seating arrangement and accommodations to the Coupe, it is designed with a top that folds back in fine weather like that of a Roadster.  This car is especially popular with suburban families whose opportunities for enjoying the out-of-doors are more frequent, and whose need for two cars is more apparent."

Standard Equipment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator-Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn -- Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock -- One-Piece Ventilating Windshield - - Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Sun Visor -- Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps -- Combination Stop and Tail Light -- Glareless Rear View Mirror -- Rain-Proof Cowl Ventilator -- Oil Strainer-Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter -- Vacuum Booster -- Rear Window Roller Shade -- Window Regulators -- One Inside Door Lock -- One Outside Key Lock -- Tire Carrier in Rear -- Spare Rim -- Luggage Space Under Rear Deck -- Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers – Chromium -- Plated Brightwork.

"The adventurous questing spirit of youth is symbolized in this eager clean-cut Roadster - with Essex the Challenger performance.  It is built close to the road, yet with a snug high body that invites relaxation as you settle into the seat.  The rumble seat beneath the rakish slope of the rear deck accommodates two adult passengers in the same comfort and with ample leg and knee room.  Luggage space is provided with the seat cushion removed.  The top, of tan sports material, is snugly tailored and fits gracefully over the windshield that opens upward.  With the top down, the windshield may be laid forward in a flat racy line over the cowl."

Standard Equipment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator-Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn -- Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock -- Windshield Folding Over Cowl --Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps -- Combination Stop and Tail Light -- Glareless Rear View Mirror -- Rain-Proof Cowl Ventilator -- Oil Strainer- Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter -- Vacuum Booster -- Tire Carrier in Rear -- Spare Rim -- Side Curtains with Rods -- Top Boot -- Top Hold- Down Straps -- Luggage Space Under Rear Deck -- Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers -- Chromium-Plated Brightwork.

"New in roomy size, big car comfort and alert power the Essex Coach gaining added popularity as the most widely used family car because of its large production, this body type offers ample roominess, unparity and comfort at lowest cost.  It also possesses particular advantage for families with small children by providing a car in which they may ride in complete safety on the car seat.  The long sweeping lines of the Coach, accentuated by mouldings, add to a graceful design the suggestion of power and performance that distinguish the Essex the Challenger.  The more spacious interior is finished in lustrous. long-wearing velour.  The rear seat is deeper and wider than in previous models.  All seats are adjustable for leg room.

Standard Equipment:
Instrument Panel with Speedometer, Ammeter, Oil Pressure Gauge, Fuel and Oil Level Gauge, and Motor Heat Indicator -- Starter on Dash -- Electric Horn -- Air Cleaner -- Ignition Electrolock -- One-Piece Ventilating Windshield --Automatic Windshield Cleaner -- Sun Visor --Head Lamps with Dimmer -- Saddle Lamps --Combination Stop and Tail Li ght -- Dome Light -- Glareless Rear View Mirror -- Rain-Proof Cowl Ventilator -- Oil Strainer-Filter -- Visible Gasoline Filter --Vacuum Booster -- Robe Rail -- Rear Window Roller Shade -- Window Regulators -- One In side Door Lock -- One Outside Key Lock -- Tire Carrier in Rear -- Spare Rim -- Inbuilt Bumper Brackets -- Four Hydraulic Shock Absorbers -- Chromium-Plated Brightwork.

Boat Tail

None of the factory literature I have shows this vehicle but I'm told by Gary Lynch that it was a factory production car.  David Grainger of Guild Classic Cars, whose vehicle photograph appears to the left, confirmed this. If you know further details, please e-mail me.

There were reportedly 1500+ boat tails made in 1927 and none in 1928.  The 1929 model saw a complete redesign and it was the most expensive Essex in the line-up with an overdrive transmission, different differential and specially chromed wire wheels.  The depression killed the car and less than 10 are reported to have been sold as 1929 models.

The following text is from the 2007 RM Auction when this particular one was sold:

"The Speeda bout was not offered in 1928, and although it reappeared in 1929, only five are known to have been built. The coach building firm of Biddle and Smart of Amesbury, Mass supplied the custom built, stylish and attractive bodies. The boat tail body was now fitted with a narrow rumble seat and although Hudson claimed it added seating for two (perhaps children) in reality it could only accommodate one adult; hence the three- passenger designation. Once again special gear ratios were fitted, but along with an overdrive the Speed about was now capable of speeds of about 80mph. The engine remained stock with a 55hp rating at 3600rpm. The $965 Essex’s curb weight was about 2,500 pounds. Reportedly, the Speed abouts were only built as show cars by Hudson, primarily to gauge interest in their production feasibility. "

Picture used with permission of www.guildclassiccars.com