A sub-brand of the Hudson Motor Company of Detroit, Essex’s products were aimed at the average family and, in common with those of other American manufacturers, were initially four-door open cars with canvas tops.

However, while Henry Ford is credited with inventing the affordable car, Essex had much to do with making Sedans available to the masses.

By 1924, the company was moving away from four-cylinder powerplants to, firstly, a 2.1-litre six-cylinder unit (the Six) and then a 2.5-litre one (the Super Six).

This was used to power a range of models comprising a Speedster, Coupe, Coach and four-door, five-seat Sedan.

The specification was typical of the day, with the engine mated to a three-speed manual gearbox and suspension by semi-elliptic leaf springs all round.

Braking was initially on just two wheels, with the option of a four-wheel system following in 1927, which became standard fit the following year.

The car rode on artillery wheels.

By 1932 the brand had metamorphosed ...