By Robert Tate, Award-Winning Automotive Historian and Researcher
Images Courtesy of the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, Black Hawk Museum and Ruxton Automotive Archives
Published 8.13.2025
1930 Ruxton production at the Moon plant in St. Louis (Ruxton Automobile Archives)
Most people probably have never heard about the Ruxton line of automobiles or the history behind these rare vehicles. Ruxton was introduced to the public the same year as the Stock Market Crash of 1929.
The Ruxton automobiles were manufactured by the Moon Motor Car Company of St. Louis, Missouri and produced between June and November of 1930. The name Ruxton comes from William V.C. Ruxton, a major figure on the New York Stock Exchange during the era. The financial backing for the company came from Archie Andrews, who would later take over the Moon Motor Car Co. They featured very colorful designs that just came out at the wrong time.
An example of Ruxton automobile advertising (Ruxton Archives)
In June 1930, Ruxton automobiles were being manufactured on assembly lines in St. Louis alongside the Windsor, as well as on the Kissel assembly line in Hartford, Wisconsin. Andrews had negotiated deals to assemble Ruxtons, along with building transmissions and drive lines.
A Ruxton automobile on display at the Auburn Cord Duesenburg Museum in Indiana
There were a number of innovations in the Ruxton automobile. For example, the first and reverse gears were located in front of the drive axle, while the second and third gears were behind the drive axle. This created better traction when driving.
A Ruxton automobile on display at the Black Hawk Museum
The body designs available included a five-passenger sedan, along with a Roadster model for four passengers, both selling for $3,195 -- a lot of money when the country was entering the Great Depression. According to automotive historians, the most popular Ruxton body style was the four-door sedan. A Phaeton, Cabriolet Town Car and a limousine were also manufactured as well. The Ruxton models were powered by a Continental 8-cylinder L-head engine, producing 85 hp at 3000 RPM.
A look at the Ruxton front end design
Automotive historians have said that the Ruxtons were good cars and strikingly handsome. The chassis, which was built on a 130-inch wheelbase, was a front-wheel drive frame designed by William Muller and Joseph Ledwinka of the Budd Manufacturing Company. The body was designed by Joseph Urban.
Another look at the Ruxton front end (Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance)
Only 96 Ruxton automobiles were ever produced, so they are considered very rare today. Over my years of research and collecting, I have found only three examples of Ruxton advertising from 1929 and 1930. The company was not well-financed, so not much money was available for marketing.
Another look at the 1930 Ruxton automobile (Getty Images)
Today, only 19 Ruxtons are known to have survived. Most of these vehicles are displayed at prestigious automotive museums across the country.
Ruxton automobile artwork (Ruxton Archives)
In conclusion, the Ruxton was a joint automobile venture that included the Moon Car Company of St. Louis and the Kissel Motor Car Company. The paint scheme design on the car was like a rainbow style. Recently, a Ruxton automobile sold for as high as $1.5 million.
Bibliography
Kimes, Beverly Rae & Clark Jr., Henry Austin. “Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1805-1942.” Krause Publications, 1989.
Moloney, James. “Encyclopedia of American Cars: 1930-1942.” Crestline Publishing, 1977.
The Auto Editors of Consumer Guide. “Cars of the Classic ‘30s: A Decade of Elegant Design.” Publications International, 2004.