1920 Essex Model A Tourer
Registration no. SX 801
Chassis no. A35600
Engine no. 86869
•Dating from the second year of Essex production
•Rare survivor of a landmark American automobile
•Restored and improved over the years
•Overall concours winner at the Monmouthshire Classic & Vintage Show in July 2023

Introduced as a lower-priced companion to the parent Hudson marque in 1919, the first Essex was powered by a four-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust engine displacing 180 cubic inches (2.9 litres) and producing a class-leading 55bhp. The name soon became synonymous with both high performance and reliability when an Essex averaged over 60mph for 50 hours in December 1919, a stunt which the company followed up by a successful four-car transcontinental trek in 1920. Travelling from San Francisco to New York City, the fastest of the quartet completed its journey in 4 days, 14 hours and 43 minutes.

The company pioneered low-cost closed coachwork in the United States, its two-seater sedan - the cheapest closed car in the USA - being only slightly more expensive than the tourer in 1922 and marginally cheaper by 1925. The Essex was a hit with the buying public. Essex's big news for 1924 was the switch from four to six cylinders, and from then onwards all its models would be sixes.

Dating from the second year of production, this four-cylinder Essex Tourer was formerly owned by an 80-year-old gentleman in Powys who sold it to the current owner. The car has been restored and had various improvements made to it over the years, and comes with a large supporting history file of bills, etc. The Essex was raced at Prescott in 2006 (photographs on file) and was the overall concours winner at the Monmouthshire Classic & Vintage Show in July 2023.

Known to its owner as 'Mable', the Essex is said to need attention like any vintage car but once warmed up runs like a dream; the paintwork is reported as original, needing a regular wash and wax to keep it protected. A rare survivor of a landmark American automobile dating from the early Vintage era, this delightful Essex Tourer deserves a good home with a loving and enthusiastic new owner. Included in the sale is a handbook, parts book, history books and a box of spare parts.


Buyer's Premium Notice: For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first ?500,000 of the Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.

The condition report is comprised of a range of photos intended to show the cosmetic condition of the vehicle. This is not an engineers or mechanics report. If you would like to attend the sale to see the car in person or send a third party to inspect on your behalf, please contact the Motorcar Department.




For Condition Images, please use the below link:




https://we.tl/t-Pk66g9LavC




If you have any further questions about this lot or would like to discuss the vehicle in more detail, please contact the consigning Specialist for this lot at the details below:




Richard Stafford
+44 7799 555 681
richard.stafford@bonhamscars.com