Essex History: The Essex Motors Company operated during the Antique Car Era and Vintage Car Era. It was founded in 1918 and then sold to the Hudson Motor Company in 1922, who continued to build the Essex until 1932. The Essex was originally produced in a leased Detroit factory where they concentrated on the new enclosed passenger design. The 1922 Essex sold for only $1,496 and by 1925 it was cheaper than an open touring car, making the Essex affordable to the masses. The Essex and Hudson were similar and when the Hudson Motor Company took over production continued. The 1932 Essex was introduced as the Essex-Terraplane and the Essex name was eventually dropped.