1930 Ruxton Model C Sedan

There were two front-wheel drive cars that came onto the scene just prior to the onset of the Great Depression, the Cord L-29 and the Ruxton Sedan. Ruxton's front-wheel drive campaign was short-lived and less remembered. Despite its technological excellence and ingenuity, the car was introduced during a rough part of history and the company struggled to find its financial footing. The final Ruxton automobiles were built in 1931.

Unusual horizontally-striped paint schemes were used to accentuate the long, lower silhouette of the body profile. Disc wheels were by Budd, and fabrics by famed designer Schumacher were featured for the interiors. The company slogan was, 'A car so low you can look over it. A car so smart you can't overlook it.' This example, one of only about 200 Ruxtons actually built before internal strife and the Depression killed the company in 1931, features the trademark Woodlite headlights and sidelights. Intriguingly, the car is named after a New York investor who never actually invested any money in the company, and who later went to court to prove that he had not.

Ruxton's featured a unique transmission setup that allowed the car to sit ten inches lower than other cars of its time.

This 1930 Ruxton Sedan is in the ownership of the Nethercutt Collection. It was shown at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance where it won 'First in Class' and 'Best American Classic'. It is finished in horizontal bands of maroon and cream, designed by Joseph Urban. The fabric was designed by Schumacher of New York. The coachwork was by Edward G. Budd Mfg. Co., Coachbuilders, of Philadelphia, PA.

This 1930 Ruxton Sedan is powered by an eight-cylinder Continental 18-S L-head engine capable of producing 100 horsepower. The engine is unique to the Ruxton. The original price was $3195.

After a meticulous restoration, the present owners showed this car at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and it was named First in Class and won the Classic Car Club of America trophy.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2014