Gardner (France) - AllCarIndex

Gardner was a French automobile manufacturer active from 1898 to 1900, founded by American promoter Frank L. Gardner in Paris. Gardner was primarily known for his financial support of the steam car builder Serpollet, which played a significant role in establishing Serpollet as a leading manufacturer of steam cars in France.

Before his involvement with Serpollet, Gardner produced a limited number of petrol-engined vehicles at his facilities located on Rue Stendhal in Paris. The cars were designed by Charles W. James, an English engineer, and featured single-cylinder horizontal engines with belt drive systems. Among the models produced, at least one was a 12-horsepower, two-cylinder vehicle that boasted a streamlined body and a claimed top speed of 40 mph (65 km/h).

Despite its brief existence, Gardner contributed to the early automotive landscape in France, particularly through its association with steam technology and innovative design.