Affordable Antique: A 1923 Essex Two-Door Sedan With an Older Restoration

For collectors who dream of pre-war motoring without a six-figure budget, a 1923 Essex two-door sedan currently listed for sale offers a tempting entry point. Priced at $6,900 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the car carries an older restoration but is described as running and driving well — a rare combination at this price point.

Essex began life in 1918 as a standalone division of Hudson, created specifically to compete in the lower-priced end of the market. Early offerings were open tourers because they could be built and sold cheaply, but the company eventually moved into closed-coach territory and, remarkably, managed to undercut the Ford Model T on price. The marque survived until 1932, when it was replaced by the Terraplane.

Under the hood sits a 179 cubic-inch F-head four-cylinder with three main bearings, rated at roughly 55 horsepower — a substantial advantage over the 20 hp produced by Ford’s ubiquitous Model T. Shifting comes courtesy of a non-synchronized three-speed sliding-gear transmission, and stopping power is provided by mechanical rear drums. The seller notes the car has not run in three years, though the fuel system has been rebuilt, and a minor oil leak is present at a rear seal.

The cabin retains its cloth upholstery, which was standard for the era before leather became an option, and the interior presents well despite the car’s age. Starting the engine requires the hand controls mounted on the steering wheel, a ritual familiar to anyone who has driven automobiles from this period. Outside, the paint shows its age, and the tail lenses are mounted only on the left fender — a reminder that Essex prioritized affordability, so optional extras were rare in the 1920s. The roof assembly is a complex affair combining a steel frame, wooden bows, batting, and a weatherproof fabric covering.

Prospective buyers should be aware that sourcing parts could prove difficult, and the dedicated club, while still active, offers limited published information beyond a handful of events. Most Essex cars that surface for sale are six-cylinder examples, with prices ranging from the mid-four-figures up to more than $20,000 for exceptional cars. For someone drawn to 1920s engineering, this sedan represents an accessible way into the hobby.