1928 Diana (Moon) 8 Deluxe Four-Door Sedan

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Nethercutt Collection is one of America’s finest Automotive Museums and Collections, a masterpiece comprising over 250 perfectly restored American and European motor cars, along with a vast array of rare mechanical musical instruments and precious antique furniture. 

Maintaining a classic car collection of this size is never easy, and when it reaches the scale of our collection, it becomes increasingly more challenging. Our founder, J.B. Nethercutt said the following at age 91, “The recognition and preservation of beauty has been a major focus of my life. It would suit me well if what people remembered about me was, ‘Where he went, he left beauty behind.’” 

As a result, we have decided to part ways with a small group of cars from the collection and will do so in partnership with our friends at Hagerty Marketplace. Many of the cars we have decided to sell we have owned for in excess of 50 years, or have been in storage, not on display, or represent a tremendous opportunity as a restoration project. They are a compelling mix of pre-war examples that have been thoroughly well-cared for and that will easily find new caretakers who will undoubtedly cherish and use them as intended.  

As we say goodbye to this group of cars, we hope the occasion for their sale will introduce us to new collectors and enthusiasts, and we look forward to hosting you at the Museum and Collection in Sylmar, California, in the coming months, years and decades. 

* * * 

Diana Motors Company was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Moon Motor Car Company. In Roman mythology, Diana is the “Goddess of the Moon;” appropriate since it was manufactured by the Moon Motor Car Co. of St. Louis, Missouri. Its radiator shell was a virtual carbon copy of the Belgian Minerva. The new company and the new car were announced by the President of both Moon and Diana, Stewart McDonald, in May 1925.   

The company referenced it as, “The easiest steering car in America,” “the only car built entirely for balloon tires,” and “a car for women drivers.” Sales of seven thousand cars were projected in the first twelve months – it didn’t happen in the first year, nor in the two years that followed. The Diana faded into the Moon lineup during the 1928 model year. Its lasting legacy was, perhaps, its beautiful mascot – arguably one of the most spectacular automotive hood ornaments of all time.   

The Diana is powered by a Continental 72 hp 240.3 cu-in L-head eight-cylinder engine. Price new was $2,195. Hydraulic brakes were fitted as well as the Lanchester Vibration Damper, both progressive features.   

Highlights  

• Offered from The Nethercutt Collection  

• Unusual but stylish vehicle produced by the Moon Motor Car Co 

• Spectacular radiator mascot 

• Very low production vehicle  

• Continental 72 hp L-head 8-cylinder engine 

• 4-wheel hydraulic brakes 

 Features  

• Disc wheels 

• Four-tone paint – green, black and grey with apple green pinstripes 

• Mohair upholstery with wool headliner 

• Bud vase in rear 

• Running board step plates 

• Privacy window shades in rear 

• Wood steering wheel 

• Chrome-plated interior hardware 

• Rear seat armrest 

• Friction shocks 

• Clock 

• Rearview mirror 

• Beautifully restored dash with clear instruments 

• Rear seat heater 

• Shifter lock 

• Vacuum wiper 

• Accessory side window drip moldings 

• Firestone tires 

• Newer vinyl roof 

• Linoleum running board 

• Chrome bumpers and exterior trim  

Included  

• Spare tire cover 

Ownership History   

This Diana was on display at the Quinsippi Island Antique Auto Museum in Quincy, Illinois, from 1964–2004. Tom Wortford of Quincy, Illinois, was the original owner. 

Cameron Richards, Vice President of The Nethercutt Collection, recalls, “According to J.B Nethercutt’s son, Jack, this Diana was a car his father searched for decades to find. Mr. Nethercutt was very pleased to find a fine example of a Diana to add to his collection back in 2004. The radiator mascot is almost as beautiful as the rest of the car.”

Additional Notes    

A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.  

Contact: Donnie Gould    Phone: 954.647.0779     email: dgould@hagerty.com