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NEW PRICE! Restored chassis and running gear and original aluminum bodywork. Fresh leather front seat and new canvas top. Known history from new with just four owners. CCCA Full Classic.
This wonderful 1925 Marmon D-74 roadster has a known history from new and is a lovely combination of restored mechanical bits and well-preserved originality. In the early 2000s, the current owner commissioned the experts at Capaldi Enterprises to completely restore the massive roadster’s running gear, including the engine, transmission, rear end, brakes, and suspension, while preserving the car’s original bodywork and decades-old paint. At the same time, a new leather front seat was stitched, and a fresh black canvas top installed, and the car was returned to the road in spectacular fashion.
I’m not sure what to call the paint, but it is not quite orange, not quite peach, and not quite tan, but something in-between. The aluminum bodywork is all original and shows no signs of rust or damage, and was only removed from the frame by Capaldi to restore the running gear. All of the brightwork is nickel, not chrome, and offers a warm shine that is typical of cars of the era and entirely appropriate to the overall patina.
The roadster body offers four-passenger seating thanks to a rumble seat, which still wears its original black leather. Front seat trim was replaced during the mechanical restoration, and still presents in almost new condition. All the gauges are fully functional, although the clock is not, but it is complete and could likely be made to work quite easily. There’s also a storage compartment behind the front seat for the side curtains. Thanks to the car’s massive 136-inch wheelbase, legroom in the rumble seat is extensive, and may be accessed from either side thanks to lovely cast aluminum steps on the fenders. The leather seating surfaces in the rumble seat are believe to be the original leather that remains in good condition, not requiring replacement but merely careful preservation. The black canvas top is newer, with a snug fit and an unusual headliner that gives it a finished appearance.
The 340 cubic inch overhead valve inline-six generated a very respectable 74 horsepower (hence the D-74 nomenclature) and its long stroke gives the car effortless torque at any speed. Fully rebuilt by Jim Capaldi and his team of experts, it runs beautifully. Thanks to the original vacuum tank and Stromberg O-3 carburetor, it fires up quickly and easily, settling into an even idle. Fascinating details include an oil level gauge, external water jacketing, and an exposed clutch and flywheel assembly, so please watch your fingers! All the accessories were rebuilt at the same time, including the starter, generator, and water pump, and today it is a reliable, powerful touring car showing only light signs of use.
Underneath, the chassis has been fully sorted as well, including a rebuilt transmission, fresh clutch, and new brake linings. And to give you a better idea of the car’s massive size, those are 20-inch wood spoke artillery wheels now wearing 7.00-20 Atlas blackwall tires on demountable rims.
This is a rare, powerful, and extremely roadworthy Full Classic that generates enormous attention anywhere it goes. The Marmon name is synonymous with quality and performance, and this D-74 roadster is a fine example of the best cars available in the middle of the Roaring Twenties. Sympathetically restored to be an excellent driver with wonderful patina, it is the ideal car for touring, thanks to its 50 MPH cruising speeds. One of only a handful surviving, it offers the Marmon enthusiast an exciting early Full Classic that is welcome at all the biggest events.
For more details and 60 photos, please visit www.VintageMotorCarsOhio.com.
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
132109
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