1929 Gardner Series 120

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 the 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, they 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.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2020