Vehicle Description
While Marmon is best known for its exotic and powerful V16 that
marked the swansong for the company, the Indianapolis-based marque
was long-known for building prestigious, high-performance
automobiles. Long before motorcar production began, the company was
a well-established manufacturer of flour milling machinery. Howard
C. Marmon joined the family business in the mid-1890s and soon
became fascinated with the automobile. He built his very first car
in 1901, and by 1905, Marmon had a production run of 25 units.
Soon, the milling business was separated, and Howard turned his
full attention to motorcars. Within a few short years, Marmon was
one of America's most distinguished sporting car manufacturers. In
1911, the firm's crowning achievement came at the inaugural
Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, with the bright yellow Marmon Wasp
piloted by Ray Harroun scoring a triumphant victory. A production
version loosely based on the Wasp followed, but Howard Marmon
wasn't satisfied with the refinement of the T-head engines. In 1916
Marmon introduced a new Model 34, complete with a highly advanced,
overhead valve engine. The car featured extensive use of aluminum
in the cylinder block, internal components, and even the body. The
great Fred Moskovics, who would later gain fame as chief engineer
at Stutz, assisted in the car's design and development, and the
basic layout would sustain Marmon for years to come. The Model 34
evolved into the Model D-74 in 1925. The car was substantially
restyled, and the engine tweaked, yet still based on the same basic
design using an aluminum crankcase, iron cylinder block, and
lightweight internals. Marmon continued their commitment to using
aluminum wherever possible, including in the body, lending the
Model 74 a low center of gravity for exceptional handling and
efficient use of its robust 74 horsepower. Buyers had the choice of
a series of body styles including a luxurious 7-passenger
limousine, 5 and 7-passenger touring cars, and the 2/4 passenger
rumble seat roadster. With its handsome styling and light, open
coachwork, the roadster was the sportsman's choice thanks to its
exceptional handling and performance. The same rings true today, as
the rare and desirable Model D-74 is one of a select few
six-cylinder Marmon cars recognized by the Classic Car Club of
America as a Full Classic and is a marvelous choice for touring.
This 1925 D-74 is a fantastic example of Marmon's stylish and
sporty roadster. The first thing one notices about this D-74 is its
impressive scale. With a 136-inch wheelbase chassis and massive
twenty-inch artillery wheels, the D-74 is substantial, yet
beautifully proportioned to mask its size. Little is known of this
car's early history, yet it is the subject of a very high-quality
restoration that has mellowed gently in the time since it was
completed. Presented in a handsome color scheme of two-tone green
with orange highlights the paintwork is beautifully finished to a
very high standard. Likewise, the aluminum coachwork is in
excellent order, exhibiting precise fit of the doors, rumble seat,
and golf-doors. Plating and brightwork are similarly exquisite,
with beautiful finishing and detail on the drum headlamps,
radiator, bumpers, and body fittings. Particularly in profile, the
mighty Marmon has a clean, handsome look, thanks to the twin-rear
mounted spare wheels and minimal adornment. Accessories include a
Moto-Meter, dual cowl lamps, and beveled-glass wind wings. Chunky
black wall Silvertown tires on wooden artillery wheels give a
purposeful, sporty stance. High-quality upholstery consists of
beautiful tobacco-colored leather on the seats, rumble seat, and
door cards. The natural-finish leather is supple and in superb
condition, with very light creasing and character from occasional
use. Complimentary brown Haartz canvas topping material ties the
interior and exterior together nicely. Two top boots are included,
one in leather to match the upholstery and one in canvas to
complement the spare tire covers. The fat wood-rimmed steering
wheel has a beautiful finish, and the interior fittings
high-quality plating. Switches, instruments, and controls all
appear in good order. Under the hood is the powerful and advanced
340 cubic-inch OHV inline six-cylinder. Detailing is up to the same
excellent standards, with high-quality paintwork on the engine and
accessories. Period appropriate wiring and plumbing maintain the
show-quality looks. The Marmon D-74 is worthy of much admiration
for its performance, advanced technology, and imposing styling.
With its high-quality restoration in attractive colors, this
magnificent example is ready for the tour season while being
equally at home on the show field. With the D-74's acceptance in
the CCCA, it is eligible for numerous events around the country,
and it is, thanks to that powerful engine, a most capable tour car.