LOT 8

1929 Essex Challenger Six Coupe with Rumble Seat Chassis no. 1000390 Engine no. 1017890

Sold for US$7,840 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 8

Rare surviving Coupe
1929 Essex Challenger Six Coupe with Rumble Seat

The Greenwich Auction|31 May 2026, 10:00 EDT|Greenwich

1929 Essex Challenger Six Coupe with Rumble Seat
Chassis no. 1000390
Engine no. 1017890

160.4ci F-Head Inline Six-Cylinder Engine
Single Marvel Model VE Carburetor
55bhp at 3,600rpm
Three-Speed Manual Transmission
Live Axles with Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs
Four-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

* Rare surviving Coupe
* Nicely presented older restoration
* Filled with numerous lovely details from period
* A fine touring machine

THE ESSEX CHALLENGER

Introduced as a lower-priced companion to the parent Hudson marque in 1919, the Essex soon became synonymous with both high performance and reliability when an example 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. Essex pioneered low-cost closed coachwork in the United States, its four-seater sedan being only slightly more expensive than the tourer in 1922, and marginally cheaper by 1925. Essex's big news for 1924 was the switch from four to six cylinders. The new sidevalve power unit started life at an unusually small - for the United States – 130ci in capacity, before being enlarged to 144.5ci part way through the year. Renamed 'Super Six' for 1927, the Essex gained a larger (153.5ci) and more powerful engine that year and four-wheel Bendix mechanical brakes the year after. Stylistically, the Essex looked broadly similar to its Hudson parent, albeit on a smaller scale.

In 1929, the Super Six was renamed the 'Challenger' and tweaked with a beltline that continued around the entire length of the car and a larger radiator shell. To promote the new car, Essex dealers and distributors staged a number of tests in March of '29, calling the event 'National Challenge Week'. Among the many trials was a fuel consumption test in which a Challenger drove 30.5 miles through New York City on 1.5 gallons of gas—no small feat by the standards of then or now!

THE CAR OFFERED

This elegant little coupe shows the level of style that could be had at just about any price in the Essex lineup. The two-door Coupe with Rumble Seat retailed for $725 but still featured an richly trimmed cloth interior as well as beautifully cast filigree work on the gauge cluster, door handles, and window cranks. Finished in two-tone green with a grey cloth interior that is accented with a dark green dash complete with light green pinstriping, this coupe was the subject of an older restoration that has mellowed nicely with age.

Perfect for all-weather touring, the rear window rolls down should one wish to communicate (or not communicate, as the case may be) with the passengers in the rumble seat bearing the elements. Sparingly used in recent years, the car has been run recently but would benefit from some recommissioning prior to active enjoyment.

Rarely seen these days, this Essex would be a fine machine for Sunday drives or local tours. With enough get-up-and-go to keep up with most modern traffic, it offers a fine, family-friendly driving experience that is, then and now, easy on the pocketbook.

Footnotes

Please note, the original steering hub has perished, a replacement hub will be provided to the new owner at no cost.

Saleroom notices

Please note, the original steering hub has perished, a replacement hub will be provided to the new owner at no cost.

Additional information

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