L-head inline six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual gearbox, solid front axle, semi-floating rear axle and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 110.5 inches.
Between World War I and the Great Depression, it was fashionable for high-end automakers to introduce "junior brands" that offered the same quality and beautiful design as larger models, but in a smaller, more affordable form. The Essex, designed by Hudson as a smaller Super Six, featured a smooth four-cylinder engine, but was later replaced by a powerful six.
The most exciting Essex built during this period was the Super Six Speedabout, introduced in 1927. It was built by Biddle & Smart, the Massachusetts coachbuilder that supplied many limited production bodies, and boasted a slick "boat track" with a full leather interior. Special gear ratios were fitted underneath and these, combined with the 55hp engine, resulted in the Speedabout reaching a reported speed of 110km/h.