|
|
Gardner and Chevrolet |
 |
|
| Although relatively unknown today, Gardner motorcars were once part of the “big three”—also including Dorris and Moon—that vied for success in the pre–Depression era against the Detroit-based Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler companies. Russell Gardner founded the Banner Buggy Company in 1882 and quickly gained success in the field as the largest buggy manufacturer in the nation. Envisioning that the motorcar would replace the buggy as a thing of the future, Gardner began experimenting in 1903 with “horseless carriages” by putting a steering mechanism and an engine on one of his buggies. The Gardner family soon established an alliance with Chevrolet to produce Chevrolet autos in one of their buggy plants. The Gardner Company, incorporated as Chevrolet Motor Company of St. Louis, produced the Chevrolet Four Ninety in the plant at Main and Rutger streets. Gardner was soon controlling all Chevrolet trade in the Mississippi River states. This alliance allowed Gardner the opportunity to perfect the production of automobiles before eventually selling the manufacturing plant back to General Motors in 1918 for a considerable sum. General Motors moved out of the Banner Buggy factory and into their new plant in 1920 at Union Boulevard and Natural Bridge Road. |
 |
|