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1929 Gardner Series 120 news, pictures, and information

Roadster
Chassis Num: GT18913
 
The Gardner Automobile was built by Russell E. Gardner from 1920 through 1931. He had manufactured Banner buggies before the turn of the century. He built bodies for the new Chevrolet, which turned out to be successful; by 1915 Russell Gardner was responsible for all Chevrolet trade in the Mississippi River states. Later, he sold his business to General Motors and began building vehicles under his own name - the Gardner Motor Company. Russell E. Gardner Sr. served as chairman of the board, Russell Jr. (His son) as president, and Fred Gardner as vice-president.

The Gardners assembled and built the vehicles while the engines were supplied by Lycoming. Sales were strong, with 3800 vehicles sold in 1921, increasing to 9000 units the following year.

In 1924, the vehicle's reputation expanded further with the daring Cannon Ball Baker journey. Mr. Baker drove a Gardner on a transcontinental journey, resulting in record, from New York to Los Angeles in 7 days, 17 hours and 8 minutes.
By 1926, the company offered both a six and eight-cylinder model. For 1928 and 1929, only an eight-cylinder version was offered. For 1930, the company chose not to enter the cylinder wars; instead it actually went in the opposite direction, only offering a six. Also in that year, they made another unusual industry move by announcing a front-wheel drive model.

The company remained in business until 1931. They had been profitable until 1927, but like so many automakers, found it challenging to offer a competitive product during rough economic times.

The St. Louis, Missouri based company, in business from late 1919 to 1931, was a well-regarded car and used Lycoming engines exclusively.

This 1929 Gardner Series 120 Roadster is a sporty open car that features an auxiliary 'rumble seat' in its deck. Optional equipment included wire wheels, with side-mounts for the dual spares, and a rear trunk rack with accessory trunk. The Lycoming GR L-head straight-eight displaces 225.7 cubic-inches and produces 76 horsepower. There are Lockheed four-wheel internal expanding hydraulic brakes, Lovejoy shock absorbers in the front, and were offered as optional equipment in the rear. A 4.45:1 rear axle ratio was specified for the relatively lightweight Roadster, while 1929 Gardner closed models had a 4.9:1 gear set.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Quail Lodge presented by Bonhams auction. It was estimated to sell for $60,000 - $80,000. Bidding failed to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and it would leave the auction unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2011
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