Vehicle Description
After earning his engineering degree from the University of
California Berkeley, Indianapolis native Howard Marmon went
straight to work at his family business, The Nordyke & Marmon
Company. When young Howard took his post, the family firm
specialized in flour milling equipment and was already over fifty
years old. As the company prospered during the industrial boom of
the late 1800s, Howard Marmon rose quickly through the ranks to
become Chief Engineer in 1902 - a position he earned not through
nepotism but via his exceptional talent. Marmon grew enthralled
with the new world of motorized transport and built his first
horseless carriage in 1902 at age 23. His natural ability was
evident throughout this well-constructed and highly advanced
motorcar, which had a 90-degree V-twin, overhead valves, a
multi-plate clutch, and 3-speed sliding-gear transmission. Although
it was a one-off prototype, Marmon's first automobile was a sign of
the brilliance to come. Against his brother's wishes, Howard Marmon
began producing automobiles in 1905, experimenting with V6 and V8
engines as his production models earned a reputation for quality
and performance. In 1911, the Marmon Wasp - driven by Ray Harroun -
became the first car to win the Indianapolis 500-mile race. Marmon
road cars quickly rose to rival Cadillac, Packard, and Pierce in
the highly competitive American luxury car marketplace, and by
1926, Howard Marmon sold the family flour milling business to
Allis-Chalmers to concentrate fully on motorcar development and
production. In 1927, Marmon began developing a new flagship powered
by a monumental V16 engine. Unfortunately, the economy had other
plans for Marmon, and despite being on the brink of financial
collapse, development of the sixteen continued, and Marmon showed
the prototype at the 1930 Chicago Auto Show to critical acclaim.
Sadly, the costly and extravagant machine arrived as the market for
such cars vanished, and the company lacked the resources to compete
with Cadillac and Packard. Marmon made up for its lack of funding
with pure engineering brilliance. The Marmon Sixteen is a
masterpiece of the classic era, with an overhead valve engine
displacing nearly 500 cubic inches and producing 200 horsepower,
besting Cadillac's V16 (designed by an ex-Marmon engineer) by 25
hp. Walter Dorwin Teague Jr. gets the credit for the gracefully
curved fenders, bold and stately radiator shell, and a sleek
profile notably devoid of fussy detailing. Marmon claimed the
Sixteen could out-accelerate a Duesenberg Model J, much to the
annoyance of their cross-town rivals. Estimates suggest 370 to 375
Marmon Sixteens were produced from 1930 to 1933, and collectors
cherish them as much for their rarity as their superlative
performance. Boasting stylish 5-passenger Victoria Coupe coachwork
by LeBaron, exceptional provenance, and a world-class restoration,
chassis number 16 143 767 is an outstanding example of the mighty
Marmon Sixteen. According to research compiled by D.W. Ridgley's
Marmon Sixteen Roster, this car is one of nine surviving Victoria
Coupes, and it was sold new to Ariel Cameron of Norwalk,
Connecticut, in 1932. Cameron cherished the Marmon, as evidence
suggests it remained with him until 1960, when it is believed the
noted car enthusiast and racer Chester Flynn of Timonium, Maryland,
purchased it. The Marmon remained under Chet Flynn's stewardship
for many years, who kept it in good original condition, noting the
original engine, no.770, was still in place. In the late 1970s, he
began restoring the car and is believed to have fitted engine
number 749. The 90-percent restored Sixteen stayed with the Flynn
family until after Chester's death, and his widow Doris Flynn sold
the Marmon in 1986 to John Morgan of Andreas, Pennsylvania. In the
late 1980s, Morgan hired the highly respected Stone Barn
Restorations for a no-expense-spared, world-class restoration.
Records show that by 1990, the original engine, no. 770 was
reunited with the chassis. The car won several AACA awards,
including Junior & Senior Awards, President's Cup, and a National
First Place. After Mr. Morgan's passing, his estate sold the Marmon
via RM Auctions to Jim Covert. In turn, Mr. Covert commissioned RM
Restorations to perform extensive mechanical servicing and
detailing. While in Covert's care, the Marmon was invited to the
2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, earning a 3rd place in
class, with other awards at Meadowbrook and the Glenmoor Gathering.
Subsequent owners of chassis 767 were noted Marmon Sixteen
enthusiasts and owned multiple examples of the model, ensuring the
car remained in top running order. Along the way, it gained a Gear
Vendors overdrive unit, and in 2017, the original V16 engine was
rebuilt and fitted with new and essential Ridgley/Severns cylinder
heads. As offered here, the LeBaron Victoria Coupe is in beautiful
condition, and the outstanding restoration has aged remarkably
well. It has mellowed gently with age and enjoyment and is simply a
gorgeous car with crisp body lines, excellent paint, and sparking
brightwork. The black wall Michelin tires mounted on chrome wire
wheels give a purposeful, sporting stance while complementing the
clean, uncluttered Walter Dorwin Teague design. The cabin features
light grey leather with matching carpets and wool broadcloth
headlining, with lovely touches such as roller blinds for the rear
windows. As the Victoria Coupe was designed for the owner-driver,
it features twin bucket seats in front - unusually sporty for a
grand 30s classic. Best of all, this Marmon performs as well as it
looks. The V16 is turbine smooth, with just a hint of throaty
exhaust note, delivering its 200+ horsepower with exceptional
refinement. The engine stamping of 16770 matches factory production
records, and it is authentically detailed, with the immaculate
engine bay displaying just light signs of use. Power goes through a
3-speed gearbox, with discreetly integrated overdrive affording
effortless high-speed cruising ability. Few 30s-era automobiles can
match the Marmon Sixteen's refinement, performance, and
drivability. This fabulous LeBaron Victoria Coupe is a marvelous
example of the marque, of which Bill Harrah once declared, "Classic
cars drive like trucks, Marmon Sixteens drive like automobiles."
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7379-1932-marmon-sixteen-victoria-coupe/