Essex
Essex was a different type of automotive brand, with the mission of being an affordable family car. The Essex brand was also one of the first automotive manufacturers to move away from the convertible style of the 1920s and toward enclosed vehicles. The 1922 closed coach priced at $1,495 was one of the most affordable family cars on the road (via Hemmings).

There were more than 1.13 million Essex automobiles sold, but the brand was eventually dissolved and became part of Hudson. Nevertheless, most of the automotive design and progress that you see today was due to the advances Essex Motors made.