1931 Ruxton Model C Sedan

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.