1931 Marmon Model 16 Limousine

The Marmon Automobile Company traces its roots back to 1851 when Howard Marmon's father manufactured flour grinding mill equipment. Automobile production began in 1902. Howard Marmon helped to develop the World War I Liberty aircraft engine. After the war, he wanted to develop the finest car money could buy and concentrated on developing a V-8 engine. He began developing the V-16 engine in 1927. However, Cadillac was able to bring their V-16 to market before Marmon. The Marmon Sixteen was introduced at the 1930 Chicago Auto Salon. The Sixteen was a 45-degree 491 cubic-inch V-16 engine made almost entirely of aluminum. The engine created 200 brake horsepower. Mr. Marmon was awarded a medal for outstanding achievement for the Society of Automotive Engineers for designing the engine. All Marmon Sixteens were tested for 210 miles on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with four laps of at least 105 mph. Only 400 examples were produced. The limousine version of the Sixteen differs from the standard seven-passenger sedan in that it was equipped from the factory with a built-in divider windshield which required significant structural modifications to the center portion of the body. Also, the limousine was supplied with leather upholstery in the front section for the chauffeur and a cloth interior for the rear passenger section.

This Marmon Sixteen Limousine wears coachwork by LeBaron and became part of a large private collection in 2007. Prior to the acquisition, the car was involved in a highway accident while in tow and suffered damage, primarily to the coachwork. The car was in gear during the accident and some of the gears within the transmission were damaged from the sudden jolt. No other mechanical damage was suffered.

The car's next owner had the vehicle restored with cost as no object and no area overlooked or untouched. The body was restored and the gears were fixed, returning this vehicle to a visually stunning example that was mechanically flawless.

The Sixteen is finished in a subtle yet regal color combination of dark burgundy and black. It is equipped with twin front-mounted horns, dual spotlights, and a pair of side-mounted spares with metal covers and mirrors. The interior features black leather upholstery and a set of pristine gauges in the chauffeur area. Behind the division window, the passenger area is fitted with burled wood and privacy blinds. There is even a pair of jump seats.

In 2010, this Marmon Sixteen was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $275,000 - $350,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $346,500, including the buyer's premium.

The current owner purchased the Marmon in August of 2010 and had full mechanical and cosmetic servicing, including new aluminum cylinder heads produced at great expense. These heads allow the engine to perform in the manner in which it was originally intended.