Image credit: © conceptcarz.com (Reproduction Or reuse prohibited).
The Ruxton Company had a very short lifespan, lasting less than a year, but during that time it produced one of the most groundbreaking automobiles of its era, as the very first American car to be designed with front-wheel drive. The roots of the company trace back to the Budd coachbuilding company of Philadelphia, as the Ruxton marque was conceived by engineer William Muller, who thought it was the right time for a frontally driven car. After receiving approval in 1926 to develop a prototype, he used three-speed transmission and placed some of the gearings behind the differential, and mounted the motor 180 degrees from a standard layout. The car rested about 10 inches lower than similar vehicles and was outfitted with stylish components such as cat-eyed Woodlite headlamps. The prototype appealed to Budd board member Archie Andrews, who pitched the new design for production to several automakers, but was unable to find interest. Instead, he founded his own company, New Era Motors of New York City, and appointed Mulelr as his vice president. Stockbroker William V.C. Ruxton was courted as an investor, and the model was eventually named after him despite his actual non-involvement in the project.
Shortly after the stock market crash, production of the new model began, with the Moon Motor Car Company of St. Louis manufacturing the running gear and mounting sedan bodies produced by Budd to a design by Joseph Ledwinka (cousin of Tatra designer Hans Ledwinka). The Roadster and Phaeton coachwork were built by Baker-Raulang.
Sadly, since the new innovative vehicle was introduced during the Great Depression, it was not long before it was out-of-business. Moon, Kissel, and other manufacturers involved in the model's production soon faced bankruptcy as well. By 1931, Moon had entered into receivership, with just a few cars remaining on the production lines.
After production at both the Moon and Kissel factories came to a halt, the bankruptcy agent decided that parts assembled into complete cars (or at least into complete chassis) would bring creditors significantly more money than selling loose parts; therefore very limited production was resumed. Of the 96 total Ruxtons built (most were sedans), experts estimate that only about 14 cars made it into private hands before the bankruptcy. It is believed that 81 sedans were originally built and just 19 examples remain in existence. Thus it is not uncommon to have cars titled long after the model year, as is the case with this 1932 Ruxton Sedan (chassis number 10C112).
It is believed that this was the last Ruxton sold and the only one retained in 1932. It is believed that the original owner retained the car until 1952, when it was sold to the Donlan family of Flint, Michigan. The Donlans would retain the car for six decades. Mr. Jack Donlan drove and displayed the car frequently, including at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance during the late 1990s.
This car was purchased by its current owners in the original and complete condition in 2013 from Ruxton authority John M. 'Jack' Donlan of Flint, Michigan, whose family owned the vehicle for 60 years. The car's new owners undertook a full restoration, using the Joseph Urban paint scheme, with original silk interior fabric materials located through Schumacher in New York. Schumacher was the fabric house that supplied the original materials to New Era Motors. It was also decided to give the car a Joseph Urban striped paint scheme and this Ruxton is one of five surviving sedans painted in this style. A ten-month restoration was completed in 2014. After New Era Motors went into bankruptcy in 1930, 10 cars were assembled by the receivers. This is believed to be the second to the last car built and the last one sold, hence its 1932 registration.
Shortly after the stock market crash, production of the new model began, with the Moon Motor Car Company of St. Louis manufacturing the running gear and mounting sedan bodies produced by Budd to a design by Joseph Ledwinka (cousin of Tatra designer Hans Ledwinka). The Roadster and Phaeton coachwork were built by Baker-Raulang.
Sadly, since the new innovative vehicle was introduced during the Great Depression, it was not long before it was out-of-business. Moon, Kissel, and other manufacturers involved in the model's production soon faced bankruptcy as well. By 1931, Moon had entered into receivership, with just a few cars remaining on the production lines.
After production at both the Moon and Kissel factories came to a halt, the bankruptcy agent decided that parts assembled into complete cars (or at least into complete chassis) would bring creditors significantly more money than selling loose parts; therefore very limited production was resumed. Of the 96 total Ruxtons built (most were sedans), experts estimate that only about 14 cars made it into private hands before the bankruptcy. It is believed that 81 sedans were originally built and just 19 examples remain in existence. Thus it is not uncommon to have cars titled long after the model year, as is the case with this 1932 Ruxton Sedan (chassis number 10C112).
It is believed that this was the last Ruxton sold and the only one retained in 1932. It is believed that the original owner retained the car until 1952, when it was sold to the Donlan family of Flint, Michigan. The Donlans would retain the car for six decades. Mr. Jack Donlan drove and displayed the car frequently, including at the Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance during the late 1990s.
This car was purchased by its current owners in the original and complete condition in 2013 from Ruxton authority John M. 'Jack' Donlan of Flint, Michigan, whose family owned the vehicle for 60 years. The car's new owners undertook a full restoration, using the Joseph Urban paint scheme, with original silk interior fabric materials located through Schumacher in New York. Schumacher was the fabric house that supplied the original materials to New Era Motors. It was also decided to give the car a Joseph Urban striped paint scheme and this Ruxton is one of five surviving sedans painted in this style. A ten-month restoration was completed in 2014. After New Era Motors went into bankruptcy in 1930, 10 cars were assembled by the receivers. This is believed to be the second to the last car built and the last one sold, hence its 1932 registration.
2016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island
Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $375,000-USD $450,000
Sale Price :
USD $357,500
1931 Ruxton Model C Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Ruxton Model C
(Data based on Model Year 1931 sales)
1932 Ruxton Model C Sedan by Budd Chassis#: 10C112 Sold for USD$357,500 2016 RM Sothebys : Amelia Island | |
1931 RUXTON 4 DOOR SEDAN Chassis#: 10C104 Sold for USD$275,000 2013 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale | |
1931 Ruxton Model C Sold for USD$363,000 2008 Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook |
Ruxton Model Cs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1931 Ruxton Model C's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|
Vehicles With Comparable Market Values
Similar sales to the $331,833 range.
1969 DODGE CHARGER JOE DIRT DAYTONA MOVIE CAR Chassis#:XP29F9B103293 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
2024 JEEP GLADIATOR CUSTOM DEMON 170 PICKUP Chassis#:1C6JJTEG3RL101111 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1933 PIERCE-ARROW TWELVE CONVERTIBLE SEDAN Chassis#:355091 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Palm Beach | |
1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 Berlinetta Boxer Chassis#:F102AB18171 Sold for $335,000 2024 Broad Arrow Auctions : Amelia | |
1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C 50th Anniversary Edition Chassis#:CSX 4566 Sold for $335,000 2024 RM Sothebys : ModaMiami | |
1994 Ferrari 512 TR Coachwork by Pininfarina Chassis#:ZFFLG40A8R0097259 Sold for $335,000 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
1953 Mercedes-Benz 300S Coupe Coachwork by Sindelfingen Chassis#:188011-00028 Sold for $332,250 2024 Bonhams : Amelia Island Auction | |
2015 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG GT FINAL EDITION ROADSTER Chassis#:WDDRK7JA3FA011391 Sold for $329,500 2024 Gooding : Amelia Island Concours | |
1931 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan by LeBaron Chassis#:16 145 678 Sold for $335,000 2024 RM Sothebys : Arizona | |
1963 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/360 Z06 SPLIT-WINDOW COUPE Chassis#:30837S113873 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1966 CHEVROLET CHEVY II NOVA CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:118376N133840 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
CAPTAIN WILD BILL WICHROWSKIS 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUS Chassis#:CKE182S137252 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1956 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM PICKUP SINISTER 56 Chassis#:3A56K028685 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1955 CHEVROLET BEL AIR CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:VC55B058944 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1958 CHEVROLET CORVETTE CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE Chassis#:J58S104507 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN Chassis#:WDDAJ76F25M000254 Sold for $332,200 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1972 CHEVROLET K10 CHEYENNE SUPER CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:CKE142Z122480 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1971 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV Chassis#:KE181S671684 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1950 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM PICKUP Chassis#:1HPA2086 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ | |
1966 CHEVROLET CHEVY II NOVA SS CUSTOM COUPE Chassis#:118376N167816 Sold for $330,000 2024 Barrett-Jackson : Scottsdale AZ |
1931 Ruxton Model C
• Additional valuation insight and sales data• History
• Specifications
• Image gallery
• Other Ruxton Model C model years