The New “Essex”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 320, 3 April 1928, Page 7

The New “Essex”

A Beautifully-Finished Car

Review by

“Headlight”

STYLE is the outstanding f< secured by beautiful cob vast number of detailed impr In developing its 1928 me by the fact that, judged by it engine and chassis were fully j next step, therefore, was to u outstanding in comfort and aj j objective has been fully realj ised, and even at the first look the j new car shows refinement and style. The first thing one notices is the beautiful colour scheme—on the coach Kurdistan blue upper body, Dozar blue lower body, with French grey mouldings. Then, quite a distinctive air is given to the car by the vertical shutters on the large, deep radiator, similar to the shutters fitted to the Cadillac cars. The pleasing effect of the frontal view is increased by flaring deeplycrowned mudguards with beaded edges, all curving gracefully into the frame members, and the wide, low-set run-ning-board. The headlamps are shaped to harmonise with the lines, and side-lamps of similar design are mounted out from on the cowl on extended nickel brackets—a touch of

style adopted from the high-quality cars, notably the Stutz. Of striking design is the heavy radiator mascot; the motometer has not been forgotten, but is incorporated on the instrument panel. THE REAR VIEW The body contours of the car have been improved by flattening Hie root slightly, and using more graceful curves on the rear corners, while the long windows with coloured “reveals” emphasize both length and lowness. The whole of the back of the car is made of one piece of pressed steel, the joins previously seen on the back having been moved to the sides. The spare wheel is still carried at the rear, but with sufficient space for luggage to be carried' on a platform. The ben-zine-filler cap has been moved to project at one side. The only outside feature remaining to be mentioned is the neat built-in sun vizor. Even the automatic windshield wiper, usually screwed outside,

ature of tlie new Essex cars, nrs and artistic lines, and a (vements both inside and out. dels, the company was guided s performance, the 1927 Essex up to the best standards. The ake the 1928- product equally peal to the eye. lias been hidden in the header over the front screen. THE INTERIOR So much for the impressions of the smart exterior. Inside, the same rich and pleasing improvements can b*. seen. All the upholstery i$ of tin finest moquet, coloured to harmonise with the scheme outside. Even the carpets and roof lining are of high quality and match the up hoi story Form-fitting seats and backs not onl> afford extra comfort, but add to the finish. Fittings such as door-handles and window' winders are of artistic design and finish. Quite apart from these refinements there are three new interior features that well deserve mention. These arc new steering-wheel, the moveable seats and the instrument board. To take the instrument board for that is what everyone looks at —the instrument board on the new Essex is one of the neat

est I have seen. Grouped under one panel of glass is an oil gauge, ammeter, speedometer, petrol gauge, and motometer. Just underneath is the starter switch, ignition lock, and hand throttle. On the right hand side of the board are the lights switch and choke. The dash is unusually high, and the bottom of the windscreen is some inches above the level of the bonnet. The improved steering-wheel is quite remarkable. Thin-rimmed and of large diameter, it is a steel frame covered with hard rubber formed to fit the fingers. Similar design of wheel is in use on the Stutz and other high-class cars. FOR THE REAR PASSENGERS Now the movable front seat. Everyone has noticed that one disadvantage of the two-door model of car is the awkwardness of passage to the rear seats. This has been entirely eliminated in the new Essex ny a simple fitting under the front" seats, which permit them to slip forward about five

or six inches. The front passengers \ can now remain seated, and move for- ; ward only slightly to allow freedom | of movement to the rear-seat passenMECHANICAL IMPROVEMENTS •While I stated at the beginning that the 1927 Essex engine and chassis have been largely retained, one or two slight improvements have been adopted. Chief among these is the complete adoption by the Essex of the Hudson type of steering, and the fitting of four-wheel brakes. These brakes are known as the “Bendix,” and have been thoroughly tried out on the Hudson. They are self-equalising, and practically a “servo” system, in that the pressure of the foot merely brings into operation one of the three shoes — ihe others are brought into play automatically and as required. The finest adjustment can be secured very simply by even the most inexperienced. Without a doubt the new Essex is one of the finest cars ever produced by the famous Hudson-Essex line, and should make motor history while selling at under £3OO for the two-door sedan.