From Corvette to El Camino to F-150: The History of Auto Manufacturing in Missouri
Missouri has a deep-rooted history in automotive manufacturing. At one point, the Show Me State ranked second only to Detroit in production volume. Back in the day, St. Louis was a total car town. It didn’t just have one “Auto Row”—it had three! Across the state, Kansas City churned out thousands of popular vehicles over the years as well.
Today, the state remains a powerhouse, particularly for pickup trucks and commercial vans.
The Legends
The “St. Louis” Automobile (1900)
The 1900 St. Louis Motor Carriage, often referred to as the “St. Louis,” is a fascinating piece of American automotive history. Built by the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company, it wasn’t just another horseless carriage—it was the first successful gasoline-powered car manufactured in Missouri
Dorris Automobiles (1905 – 1926)
Founded in 1905, the Dorris Motor Car Company became known for producing high-quality, luxury automobiles. Every car was meticulously assembled. Because of this, they were expensive—often costing between $2,500 and $7,000 (roughly $80,000 to $200,000 today).
Moon Motor Company (1905 – 1930)
The Moon Motor Car Company in St. Louis manufactured some of the most fashionable cars of the early 1900s. It was founded in 1905 by Joseph Moon, who was a successful carriage maker. Some called them the “Rolls Royce” of the Midwest. Walt Disney even owned the 1924 Roadster.
Kansas City Wonder (1909):
In 1909, the Wonder Motor Car Company emerged from the failing Kansas City Motor Car Company as a “last-ditch” survival effort. Based in Missouri, they briefly produced the Kansas City Wonder automobile. Despite its ambitious name, the company folded within a year, and no surviving models exist today.
1921 Traffic Motor Truck
Born in the “Automotive Capital of the West,” the 1921 Traffic Motor Truck was a symbol of St. Louis manufacturing grit. Produced by the Traffic Motor Truck Corporation, these vehicles were marketed as the “lowest priced 4,000-lb. capacity truck in the world,” democratizing heavy hauling for post-WWI businesses.
Gardner Roadster (1920 – 1931)
Founded in St. Louis in 1920 by Russell Gardner, the Gardner Motor Company evolved from the world’s largest buggy manufacturer into a premier “assembled” car maker. Their Roadster became a 1920s icon. The depression and Detroit competition spelled doom and they closed in 1931. Today, these collector cars are in high demand.
GMC’s World War II “Jimmy” (1941)
The GMC CCKW, affectionately nicknamed the “Jimmy” (a play on the GMC initials) or the “Deuce-and-a-Half”, was the backbone of the Allied logistics during World War II. The beasts were manufactured at the St. Louis Chevrolet Assembly Plant (located at Union Blvd and Natural Bridge Ave) when car production was halted for the war effort.
Stafford Car (1910–1915):
The Stafford Motor Car Company remains a hidden gem of Missouri’s automotive history. Relocating from Topeka to Kansas City in 1910, Stafford produced high-quality touring cars at 22nd and Campbell Streets. Even Harry S Truman owned a 1911 Stafford. in 1913. Despite their durability, only about 315 cars were built before production ceased in 1915. Today, only one known car exists.
Ford Model T/A (1908 – 1927)
Missouri played a massive role in the Ford Model T’s legacy. In 1913, the St. Louis Assembly Plant became the first Ford factory outside Michigan to utilize a moving assembly line. By the 1920s, Kansas City joined the fray, helping Missouri churn out thousands of “Tin Lizzies.”
The Mid-Century Classics
Chrysler Town and Country (1987-2008)
From 1987 to 2008, Chrysler’s St. Louis Assembly complex in Fenton served as a primary production hub for the Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager, and the luxury Chrysler Town & Country. Fenton became known as the “Minivan Gateway to the World.” These facilities pioneered family-first innovations like integrated child seats and the revolutionary Stow ‘n Go seating. Production ended in late 2008 when Chrysler consolidated minivan manufacturing in Canada.
Dodge Ram (1995-2009)
In 1995, the St. Louis North plant in Fenton transitioned from minivans to the Dodge Ram. This facility become Chrysler’s exclusive source for the heavy-duty Ram 2500 and 3500. Renowned for high-quality assembly and Cummins diesel power, the plant ceased operations in 2009 during Chrysler’s restructuring, shifting production to Mexico.
Chrysler LeBaron (1977-1981 and 1987-1991)
The Chrysler LeBaron was a staple of the Saint Louis Assembly plant in Fenton. Production of the first-generation M-body LeBaron began there in 1977, marking Chrysler’s entry into the “intermediate” luxury market. Later, the plant transitioned to the fuel-efficient K-body models and sleek J-body coupes and convertibles until the early 1990s.
Ford Escape (2000-2012)
From 2000 until 2012, the Ford Escape (and its sibling, the Mazda Tribute) was built at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. It was a massive hub for the first and second generations of the SUV. Production moved to Kentucky starting with the 2013 model year to make room in Claycomo for the Ford Transit.
Mercury Mariner (2004-2012)
The Mercury Mariner was a compact SUV produced at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. A more upscale sibling to the Ford Escape, the Mariner featured premium styling, a signature waterfall grille, and upgraded interior materials. It was available with inline-four or V6 engines, and notably offered a hybrid variant. Production ended when the Mercury brand was discontinued, making the Mariner a key piece of Missouri’s automotive history.
Ford Explorer (1991-2006)
Ford built the Explorer at the St. Louis Assembly Plant in Hazelwood. Production began with the SUV’s debut in 1991 and continued through the first three generations. However, the plant closed its doors in 2006 as part of Ford’s “Way Forward” restructuring plan.
Chevrolet Corvette (1954-1981)
From 1954 to 1981, the St. Louis Assembly Plant was the heart of Corvette production. After a brief start in Flint, manufacturing moved to Missouri, where nearly 700,000 cars were built, spanning the C1, C2, and C3 generations. This era saw the birth of legends like the 1963 “Split-Window” Sting Ray. Production eventually shifted to Bowling Green, Kentucky, in 1981 due to the need for modernized facilities and stricter environmental standards.
Buick Park Avenue (1991–1996)
The Buick Park Avenue was assembled at the Wentzville Assembly plant. It represented the pinnacle of American luxury for the era with a curvaceous “Coke bottle” silhouette inspired by Jaguar. Missouri-built models solidified Buick’s reputation for “premium comfort,” offering a whisper-quiet ride and plush velour or leather “dynasty” seating.
Oldmobile 88
The Oldsmobile 88 was a staple of GM’s Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City. In 1975, these full-sized cruisers were known for their massive presence and plush “Rocket” V8 engines. Missouri-built models contributed to Oldsmobile’s record-breaking sales decade. They featured the distinctive federal-mandated 5-mph bumpers and were among the last of the true American “land yachts” before the 1977 downsizing.
Pontiac Bonneville (1989 to 1993)
Pontiacs were built for decades in Missouri, but the Bonneville rolled off the line specifically at the Wentzville Assembly plant. This era transitioned the Bonneville from a traditional cruiser into a tech-forward sedan. Today, the Wentzville site remains active, though it has traded full-size sedans for mid-size trucks and vans.
Chevrolet Chevelle (1964 – 1977)
The Chevy Chevelle was produced at the Leeds Assembly plant in Kansas City. This facility was a critical hub for GM’s A-body platform, churning out iconic muscle cars including the SS and Malibu. Missouri-built Chevelles are easily identified by the letter “K” in their VIN. Today, these vehicles are highly prized by collectors for their mid-century American craftsmanship and deep roots in Missouri’s rich automotive history.
Ford Maverick (1970-1977)
The Ford Maverick compact car was produced at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. Marketed as an “import fighter,” it was incredibly popular, with nearly 579,000 units sold in its first year. Because of this massive volume, Ford famously stored surplus Mavericks in Subtropolis, a giant limestone cave system in Kansas City. This underground “Automotive Alley” kept the cars climate-controlled and protected from Missouri’s unpredictable weather before delivery.
Chevrolet El Camino (1959–1960 and 1964–1987)
The Chevrolet El Camino was primarily assembled at the Leeds Assembly plant in Kansas City during the 1970s. As a “coupe utility” vehicle, it combined a sleek Chevelle-based front end with a practical cargo bed. The 1975 model reflected the era’s shift toward comfort over raw power, featuring a refined suspension and distinctive stacked headlights. These Missouri-built icons remain a testament to American versatility, blending car-like handling with truck-like utility.
Buick Special (1947-1967)
While “Buick City” in Flint, Michigan, usually steals the spotlight, the GM Leeds Assembly plant in Kansas City played a massive role in Buick’s mid-century success. To keep up with the exploding demand for General Motors’ famous “A-body” intermediate cars, GM tapped the Leeds facility to help churn out the iconic Buick Special. This strategic move ensured that one of the brand’s most popular models reached driveways across the country faster than ever.
Current Production
Ford F-150 (1957- )
The best-selling vehicle in America for decades is produced right here in Missouri. The Ford F-150 is a staple of American industry, with a significant portion of its production rooted at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. Since the 1950s, the facility has been a primary hub for the F-Series. The site is critical for high-volume trims, ensuring the “Built Ford Tough” legacy continues through Midwestern craftsmanship and precision engineering.
Ford Transit (2014- )
The top-selling commercial van in the U.S. The Ford Transit has been a cornerstone of production at the Kansas City Assembly Plant in Claycomo. The facility recently celebrated building its one-millionth unit.
Chevrolet Colorado (2014- )
The Chevrolet Colorado is manufactured at General Motors’ Wentzville Assembly Plant. Since 2014, the factory has been the global hub for the Colorado and its twin, the GMC Canyon.
GMC Canyon (2014- )
The Colorado’s premium mechanical sibling.
Chevrolet Express (1995- )
The Chevrolet Express has been manufactured at the Wentzville Assembly Plant in Missouri since 1995. As one of the longest-running vehicle designs in American history, it is a staple for commercial fleets and passenger transport.
GMC Savana (1996- )
The GMC Savana is a Missouri-Made Icon that has been produced at Wentzville Assembly since 1996. For nearly three decades, the Savana has powered American businesses with a “no-nonsense” approach to reliability and strength.
The GXV EPIC
Handcrafted in Springfield, the GXV Epic represents the ultimate fusion of luxury and off-road grit. Originally developed by Global Expedition Vehicles and now part of the Storyteller Overland lineup, this turnkey expedition rig is engineered on a rugged Kenworth K370 4×4 chassis. It serves as a go-anywhere sanctuary, combining heavy-duty commercial reliability with premium, custom-tailored living quarters…