Vehicle Description
If someone were asked to name the greatest and most advanced car
companies of the early 20thcentury, names like Duesenberg, Packard
and Cadillac might come to mind. But there were a great many others
that showed flashes of brilliance before fading into obscurity.
Indianapolis-based Marmon Automobile Company is one that falls into
the latter category. Marmon began life in the late 1800's supplying
equipment for grain milling operations, and eventually diversified
into electrical equipment, until that division of the company was
sold to General Electric. At the turn of the 20thcentury Howard
Marmon, son of founder Daniel W. Marmon, joined the ranks after
earning an engineering degree. As a side project in a corner of his
father's workshop, he began work on his first automobile. Howard
Marmon was a very thoughtful engineer, and he spent a great deal of
time sorting out details such as an efficient lubrication system,
which gave his engines the ability to sustain higher speeds than
any other car of the era. His first car proved a success, and he
quickly began to refine and evolve his designs as he sold more and
more automobiles. As the automotive side of the business grew, so
did involvement in motorsport as a way to improve the breed. A
Marmon engineer named Ray Harroun helped to develop, and drive,
their most famous racing car - the "Wasp". Mr. Harroun himself
drove the Wasp to victory in the inaugural running of The
Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. That set the stage for a run of very
special automobiles that ranged from sporting roadsters and touring
cars, eventually leading to the magnificent sixteen-cylinder cars
of the 1930s. Sadly, Marmon's place at the cutting-edge was short
lived, as automobile production did not survive the great
depression. But the company did not disappear completely, as they
evolved into Marmon-Herrington, a supplier of automotive and truck
parts, as well as 4WD conversions. Thankfully, today's enthusiasts
recognize Marmon for their brilliance in engineering and these
amazing automobiles are highly prized collector pieces. The Model
34B, as featured here, was inspired by the Wasp, and fitted with a
highly advanced 340 cubic-inch overhead-valve inline six. The Model
34B employed extensive use of aluminum both in the construction of
the engine as well as the body, which kept weight much lower than
its competitors and afforded the car exceptional performance for
the period. This stunning automobile rides on the standard 136-inch
wheelbase, the only chassis option for the Model 34B. It wears a
sporting and elegant four-door speedster body, with a rakish
phaeton-style folding top and laid-back windscreen. The body,
finished in a pleasing light bluish gray, has been restored to
world-class standards with exceptional fit, finish and top-level
concours quality paintwork. The Marmon's restoration was completed
around 2005 by Bob Robinson of Robinson Restorations in
Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, who had owned this very car in 1956.
He always regretted selling it, and remarkably, he was able to
track it down in the mid-1990s. In the ensuing years, the car was
returned to Robinson Restorations for service as well. Six dark
blue wheels with period correct black wall tires add an
unmistakable sporting touch to the coachwork. Beautifully polished
and factory-correct nickel plating can be found on the bumpers,
wheel nuts, wheel trims, mirrors, windscreen, lamps, and fittings.
A pair of drum-type cowl lamps echoes the large drum headlamps, all
of which have been meticulously restored. Mounted to the driver's
running board is a huge, fantastic vintageSpreadlightsearch lamp
and a correct Marmon-branded Moto-Meter adorns the top of the
radiator. The engine even features an on-board air-compressor which
can be manually engaged in an emergency, a thoughtful and brilliant
touch courtesy of Howard Marmon. Beautiful gray leather and carpets
have been expertly fitted and the luxurious cabin is accented with
gorgeous wood and nickel work, all of which appears fresh and
virtually flawless. The neutral gray leather is complemented by a
dark gray canvas top, trunk cover, and side mount spare wheel
covers, balancing out the unusual but beautiful color scheme
appropriately. From top to bottom, this automobile has been
fastidiously restored with not a nut or bolt left unturned. The
undercarriage and engine compartment have been exquisitely detailed
with correct finishes, fittings, and hardware. A testament to its
condition, the 34B has received awards at multiple Concours
d'Elegance, including Hilton Head, Greenwich, and Radnor Hunt. This
highly desirable Marmon 34B Touring is a piece of automotive art,
and a CCCA Full Classic with an outstanding story to match. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7704-1922-marmon-model-34b-four-passenger-speedster/
