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1930 Ruxton Model C Navigation
Ruxton is a forgotten manufacturer, overlooked when considering early pioneers in the automotive industry. Their biggest automotive achievement was the use of the front-wheel drive. Ruxton and Cord introduced their version of the front-wheel drive at roughly the same time.
The Ruxton was produced by New Era Motors of New York in 1929 and 1930. It became the second production car to introduce front-wheel drive in an American automobile shortly after the Cord debuted. Front-wheel drive enabled the Ruxton to be nearly 20 inches lower than a conventional car. The Moon Motor Company in St. Louis and Kissel in Hartford, Wisconsin assembled the cars. Less than 100 cars were produced before the company declared bankruptcy.
Ruxton's were powered by a Continental 268 cubic inch side-valve, straight-eight cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower. The three-speed manual gearbox is unique. It was split with the second and third gears behind the worm-drive differential and the first and reverse gears in front.
A spare tire was mounted on the outside in front of the driver's door. There were no running boards, the fenders were long and slightly sloped and the unusual 'Woodlite' headlamps were available. There were only 12 roadsters produced and this is the sixth car built at Kissel Motors. It was originally owned by Ruxton president George Kissel.
The Ruxton was produced by New Era Motors of New York in 1929 and 1930. It became the second production car to introduce front-wheel drive in an American automobile shortly after the Cord debuted. Front-wheel drive enabled the Ruxton to be nearly 20 inches lower than a conventional car. The Moon Motor Company in St. Louis and Kissel in Hartford, Wisconsin assembled the cars. Less than 100 cars were produced before the company declared bankruptcy.
Ruxton's were powered by a Continental 268 cubic inch side-valve, straight-eight cylinder engine producing 100 horsepower. The three-speed manual gearbox is unique. It was split with the second and third gears behind the worm-drive differential and the first and reverse gears in front.
A spare tire was mounted on the outside in front of the driver's door. There were no running boards, the fenders were long and slightly sloped and the unusual 'Woodlite' headlamps were available. There were only 12 roadsters produced and this is the sixth car built at Kissel Motors. It was originally owned by Ruxton president George Kissel.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
Recent Sales of the Ruxton Model C
(Data based on Model Year 1930 sales)
| 1930 Ruxton Model C Roadster Chassis#: 18s1031 Sold for USD$1,540,000 2025 Mecum : Kissimmee | |
| 1930 Ruxton Model C Roadster by Baker-Raulang Chassis#: 11005 Sold for USD$747,500 2019 RM Sothebys : The Guyton Collection |   |
Ruxton Model Cs That Failed To Sell At Auction
1930 Ruxton Model C's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
| Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1930 RUXTON MODEL C SALOON | 1005 | 2016 Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa | $450,000 | $600,000 |
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1930 Ruxton Model C
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