Biddle & Smart Coachbuilders
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 1929 Essex Speedabout Boattail Roadster | 1929 Essex Speedabout Boattail Roadster 79,200.00 USD Offered For Sale at the: RM Auction - Vintage Motor Cars at Meadow Brook Hall August 6, 2005, Auburn Hills, Michigan RM Auctions One Classic Car Drive Blenheim, Ontario N0P 1A0 Canada Phone: 519-352-4575 Website: www.rmauctions.com 1929 Essex Speedabout Boattail Roadster LOT: 045 Chassis No. 1059468 Sold at a price of $79,200 55hp at 3,600rpm, 161 cu. in. L-head inline six-cylinder engine, four main bearings, Marvel carburetor, sliding gear three-speed transmission and four-wheel mechanical brakes. Wheelbase: 110.5" The year 1929 will always be remembered for the stock market crash that brought on the Great Depression, but it was also the first time the American auto industry produced more than 5,000,000 units. The Hudson Motor Car Company was ranked third in sales for 1929 and much of that was due to its other car line known as Essex. Hudson had announced in October, 1917 that Essex Motors had been organized to build a smaller companion car to the firm’s Super-Six. The first Essex appeared in 1919 having been delayed by World War I. With its vibration-free four-cylinder engine it was an immediate success. The make quickly gained a reputation for good quality, reliability and providing greater interior room. In 1924 the first Essex Six appeared at price more in keeping with its fourcylinder rivals. The sales momentum continued and more and more models appeared. In 1927 Essex offered the first two-passenger Speedabout. It was distinctive with its boattail design, leather interior and special rear axle ratio. Capable of a top speed of 70mph the Speedabout weighed a mere 2,150 pounds. The Speedabout was not offered in 1928, and although it reappeared in 1929, only five are known to have been built. The coachbuilding firm of Biddle and Smart of Amesbury, Mass supplied the custombuilt, stylish and attractive bodies. The boattail 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 Speedabout 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 Speedabouts were only built as show cars by Hudson, primarily to gauge interest in their production feasibility. This pristine red and black Essex Speedabout Boattail Roadster was fully restored by the Guild of Automotive Restorers for one of theprincipals of the company in 2002, but was driven only sparingly following the conclusion of the body-off restoration. No expense was spared to bring this dashing Speedabout back to its original factory specifications and results clearly speak for themselves. The concours paintwork in its original striking color combination accentuates its sporting design. The rich red leather interior and beautifully crafted dash draws you to sit behind the wheel of this quick little roadster. Mechanically, the Essex has been not only completely rebuilt, but also fully detailed for show. Of the five Speedabouts produced by Hudson in 1929 only four are known to survive. The availability of this rare example is worthy of attention as with so few in existence it is likely the only Speedabout readily available for purchase. Combined with its excellent overall condition, this Essex offers its next owner the option of either concours or touring, where it will undoubtedly be the only example present. by Douglas |
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