1931 Marmon Model 16 Convertible Sedan

This Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan (style 145 and chassis number 16-145666) rests atop a 145-inch wheelbase chassis supported by semi-elliptic leaf springs and a beam front axle. There are four-wheel mechanical, 16-inch drum brakes along with 18-inch, chrome-plated, steel-spoke wheels wrapped with 700-18 black sidewall tires with Marmon-badged, bright center caps. Beneath the long and graceful bonnet is a 490.8 cubic-inch overhead valve sixteen-cylinder engine with a downdraft carburetor, mechanical fuel pump, and a cast aluminum alloy uni-block and heads. The 200 horsepower produced by the engine at 3,400 RPM is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual synchromesh transmission with floor shift controls.

Forty-nine examples of the Marmon Sixteen wearing the convertible sedan body were built. This example is finished in gloss black with polished aluminum and stainless trim, and dual steel-cover spare tires are mounted in the fenders. There is a black fabric convertible top, and the interior is trimmed in pleated gray leather.

This Marmon Sixteen's original owner was Mr. Goldschmidt of Modesto, California. After seeing very little use, it was put into storage and did not emerge until 1955. The second owner was Scott Dean of Fairview Park, Ohio, who also used the car for a short time and stored it until 1995. Don Lyons of Dowagiac, Michigan, acquired the car and had it sent to Bill Godisak of Sun Ray Restorations to perform a complete restoration in 1996. Since completion, the car has won a First Primary Award and a First Senior Award at a CCCA Grand Classic, with the car carrying CCCA Senior Badge No. 2174.

This car was shown at the Concours d'Elegance at Meadow Brook Hall, where it won First in Class. It was also displayed at the Eyes on Design show in Grosse Point, Michigan, where it won another First in Class. It would win additional awards after being acquired by its current owner in 2003, including wins at Meadow Brook Hall and the 2011 Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio, winning an award of excellence.

Only ten examples of the Marmon Sixteen convertible sedan are known to exist today.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2022

Two U.S. companies built V-16-powered automobiles: Cadillac and Marmon. The former survived the tough economic times of the 1930's, the latter did not.

From its beginnings in 1902, Marmon was headquartered in Indianapolis. A Marmon 'Wasp' won the first Indy '500' race. From the beginning until the end - in 1933 - the Marmon was an exceptionally well-engineered car, thanks in large part to its namesake, Howard Marmon.

From 1931 through 1933 only 390 Marmon 16's were built. Built on a stately 145-inch wheelbase and priced at $5,000, the Marmon 16-cylinder engine produced 200 horsepower. The innovative design was done by a young Walter Dorwin Teague Jr., who became a famed industrial designer.

Marmon, in its short life, left its imprint on the auto industry by pioneering the use of the rearview mirror, the V-16 engine and the use of aluminum in automobile manufacturing.

This particular Marmon Sixteen is fitted with a four-door convertible sedan body built by the noted coachbuilder LeBaron. This body style is considered by many to be the most attractive and desirable coachwork ever fitted to the Marmon Sixteen chassis.

Approximately 390 Marmon Sixteens were built between 1930 and 1933, and of these, it is believed only about 40 were fitted with the LeBaron convertible sedan bodies, with only 60 Marmon 16s remaining today.

This vehicle spent the first years of its life in the Southern California area, where it remained until it was purchased in 1955. The new owner rarely used the vehicle and placed it in storage in 1957, where it remained untouched and preserved until 1995, when it was purchased by Donald Lyons.

Upon purchasing, Mr. Lyons placed it in the hands of a noted vintage restorer. The vehicle was found to have only 18,500 miles from new. In 1998 the restoration was completed. The new owner takes great pride in showing this rare Marmon 16.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008