1922 Moon Model 6-40

The Moon Motor Car Company, established by Joseph W. Moon in St. Louis, Missouri, began its operations in 1905 and continued until the onset of the Great Depression, ultimately shutting down in 1930. St. Louis emerged as a favored hub for emerging automobile manufacturers, resulting in the establishment of at least 114 different brands. The list included Windsor, Diana, and Ruxton, but it was the Moon nameplate that enjoyed longevity, surviving for nearly a quarter century. Moon's motto was 'The Ideal American Car.'

A talented engineer named Louis P. Mooers, formerly with Peerless, designed the first Moon production car. It was equipped with a four-cylinder engine of his own design that featured overhead camshafts and was paired with a four-speed transmission. The bodywork was formed from lightweight aluminum, and the public responded positively, leading to a swift rise in production.

The Moon automobile occupied the upper-luxury segment of the car market, but by 1910, they had introduced a range of automobiles that was more mid-priced, with prices from $1,500 to $2,000.

Beginning in 1916, all Moon automobiles received six-cylinder engines and, from 1919, a radiator with a similar design to Rolls-Royce (a Parthenon style). In 1924, the Moon automobile was equipped with four-wheel Lockheed hydraulic braking.

After Joseph Moon passed away in 1919, control of the business transferred to his son-in-law and Vice President Stewart McDonald.

During the 1920s, exports of the Moon automobile increased, delivering to as many as 47 countries. By 1924, Moon had reached a capacity that it was unable to meet dealership orders. Production peaked in 1925 with 10,271 vehicles produced.

The Diana produced by Moon via its subsidiary, the Diana Motors Company (1925 to 1928), suffered from motor issues, and the repair claims drained Moon's resources. This, coupled with the need to refund government payments from World War I, resulted in a near million-dollar operating loss in 1926.

The last Moon automobile was built in 1929, but the factory continued in operation until 1930, building the front-drive Ruxton.

The 1922 Moon
The Model 6-40 was produced in 1915 and 1922. Moon used a Moon-built or Continental engine from 1910 to 1913; from 1914 forward, Moon automobiles were powered by Continental engines.

The engine powering the Model 6-40 was a straight-6-cylinder Continental 7-U L-head engine displacing 196 cubic inches and producing 50 horsepower. It was paired with a three-speed Warner Gear transmission. The body-color disc wheels were wrapped with 32 x 4 blackwall tires on demountable rims. The wheelbase measured 115 inches.

The Moon 6-40 five-passenger Tourer was priced at $1,295.

Additional 1922 Moon models included the Model 6-48 on a 122-inch wheelbase and the Model 6-75 on a 135-inch wheelbase platform. The Model 6-48 was offered in five body styles with prices that ranged from $1,785 to $2,785. The Model 6-75 was priced at $2,285 for the 7-passenger Touring and $2,485 for the 7-passenger Sedan. The Model 6-48 was powered by a 53 horsepower engine, and the Model 6-75 had 70 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2025