1926 Essex Coupe
VIN 79365
What’s special about this listing
This 1926 Essex Coupe represents a fascinating blend of early American automotive history and modern performance engineering. According to the seller, this vehicle is a custom-conserved automobile that pays homage to the Essex brand's legacy while delivering contemporary driving dynamics. The Essex Motor Company, later absorbed by Hudson Motor Car Company, was instrumental in popularizing closed-body vehicles during the 1920s, making this coupe a historically significant example of an era when enclosed passenger cars were transitioning from luxury items to mainstream transportation.
Described as featuring a powerful 454 big block engine, this Essex offers exhilarating performance that far exceeds its vintage origins. The seller notes the inclusion of a dual Quick Fuel carburetor setup, a Weiand intake manifold, and MSD ignition components for reliable spark and improved throttle response. Power is transmitted through a dependable Turbo 350 automatic transmission paired with a classic Hurst shifter, while Wilwood disc brakes provide modern stopping power. The vehicle sits on aluminum wheels wrapped in aggressive Mickey Thompson tires, completing the performance-oriented build.
The exterior is finished in a rich, deep purple that contrasts with a custom interior combining purple and silver tones. According to the seller, the cabin features a custom billet steering wheel, plush cloth seats, and convenient power windows. Modern amenities include a Rockford Fosgate sound system with subwoofer and Kenwood radio, demonstrating the thoughtful balance between classic styling and contemporary comfort. This vehicle has been categorized as Custom conservation, reflecting its unique modification history.
Key characteristics that make this Essex special:
- Rare 1926 coupe body style from an era when Essex pioneered enclosed passenger vehicles
- 454 big block V8 engine swap delivering modern muscle car performance
- Custom purple exterior with unique two-tone interior treatment
- Modern brake and suspension upgrades including Wilwood disc brakes
- Automatic transmission with Hurst shifter for classic muscle car feel
- Power windows and modern audio for everyday drivability
For more information on the Essex market and similar vehicles, visit the Essex market page.
Specs
Details about this vehicle - decoded from the VIN & CLASSIC.COM curators. Contact the seller for specifics about this listing.
- Year
- 1926
- Make
- Essex
- Model Family
- All Models
- Model Generation
- -
- Model Variant
- -
- Model Trim
- -
- VIN
- 79365
- Mileage
- 10,915 mi TMU
- Originality
- Custom
- Engine
- -
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drive Type
- Rear Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Vehicle Type
- Automobile
- Body Style
- Coupe
- Driver Side
- LHD
- Doors
- 2 Doors
- Color Group (Ext)
- Purple
- Color Group (Int)
- Gray
Media
Vehicle History
A timeline of events that we've detected for this vehicle.
About this Seller
Gateway Classic Cars - San Antonio/Austin
Gateway Classic Cars of San Antonio / Austin specializes in a curated selection of classic cars and collector vehicles with broad enthusiast appeal. Their hand-selected inventory focuses on memorable, well-kept examples that celebrate automotive history and variety.