A year of transition

The factory was the same; but everything else changed in 1925. Gone were the boxy body lines from early 1920 styling, gone too was the four cylinder engine; replaced by a new six and eight. The new Gardner was modern and powerful, meant to complete against the more expensive automobiles. The new radiator ornament was a Griffin and the Gardner logo changed to a stylish "G". The wheel base was five inches longer on the six-cyl and a full 13 inches longer on the eight-cyl. For a short time the four cylinder cars would continue, most likely until supplies were exhausted.

The new eight was introduced in January, and production got underway in February, customers but customers that wanted the six would have to wait until mid-March, Lycoming did not have the six available in the beginning of 1925. Standard equipment on both the six and the eight included four wheel brakes.

On July 15th the 1926 models went into production, so the 1925 models were produced for less than six months. Late in 1924 development would begin on the eight-in-line in complete secrecy. The intent was to have the new car available for the January show; and selected dealers. The announcement of the new eight was delayed until Dec 18, 1924. This year of transition would prove difficult for the company, in January only two models were available the two door brougham, and the phaeton and only with the eight-in-line. The four door for example was not available until May, the sport sedan in June, the cabriolet in July. By the end of the '25 production run Gardner offered 5 body styles for the six; 6 body styles for the eight; notably absent was the roadster which would not be produced until the model year 1926.

"Fours! Sixes! Eights! Open and closed models for every preference, every purpose, every purse."

This was the first Griffin, and for this year it seemed to be in a relaxed pose. That will change.

In 1925 the six cylinder did not have the Griffin.