Gardner [5] (United States)

Gardner Motor Co. Inc. was an American automobile manufacturer based in St. Louis, Missouri, that operated from 1919 to 1931. The company was founded by Russell Gardner and his sons, who initially entered the automotive industry by building bodies for Chevrolet vehicles. By 1915, they had established the Chevrolet Motor Co. of St. Louis, producing Chevrolets under license until the company was sold to General Motors during World War I.

The Gardner automobile was developed after the war, with prototype models ready by late 1919 and production commencing in early 1920. The first model, known as the Gardner V Four, was designed to compete with established brands like Dodge. It featured a Lycoming 3154cc side-valve engine and was available in various body styles, including touring, roadster, and sedan. The company experienced fluctuating production levels, with a peak of over 9,000 cars produced in 1922.

Throughout the 1920s, Gardner introduced several models, including the Eight-in-Line, which featured a more powerful Lycoming engine and was aimed at competing with brands such as Buick. Despite innovative designs and features, including a model with a distinctive double row of bonnet louvres and the introduction of hydraulic brakes, sales began to decline by 1924. The company attempted to revitalize its offerings with new models and features, but these efforts did not yield the desired results.

In 1930, Gardner showcased a front-wheel drive car at the New York Auto Show, which was notable for its design and engineering. However, the model did not generate significant interest in the market. By 1931, Gardner's production had dwindled, and the company faced financial challenges. Despite having a strong financial base, the Gardners opted to wind down operations rather than pursue speculative mergers or accumulate debt. The company continued to produce a line of funeral cars in collaboration with the St. Louis Casket Co. until 1932, when all operations ceased. At the time of its closure, Gardner Motor Co. had over $600,000 in clear assets.