1931 Marmon Model 16 Convertible Coupe

Howard Marmon founded the Marmon Motor Car Company of Indianapolis in 1902. It was an outgrowth of a company that made grinding mill equipment dating back to 1851. A few low-production, experimental automobiles were made in the beginning but by 1909, the Model 32 'Wasp' won the first Indianapolis 500 race, cementing the company's reputation for making fast, dependable cars and introducing the rear-view mirror to the world.

The world's first V-16 engine was under development at Marmon in 1927, but the stock market crash interrupted the project and the engine was not ready until 1931. The engine produced 200 horsepower with 491 cubic-inch displacement, 45-degree V-16 engine with overhead valves and distributor ignition.

Unfortunately for Marmon, Cadillac had already introduced a similar engine. By the time it came to market, the Great Depression had so hurt the demand for luxury cars that Marmon and its competitors all suffered a decline.

Introduced at the Chicago Auto Show in November 1930, the Marmon Sixteen was nevertheless a hit. The Marmon Sixteen motor developed 200 horsepower from its 491 cubic inches. The chassis had a 145-inch wheelbase. Bodies were designed by Walter Dorwin Teague Jr. and were built by LeBaron of Detroit and other custom coachbuilders.

Marmon Sixteen production ended in May of 1933 after only 390 cars had been built.

This Marmon Sixteen has a fully documented history that includes some years of storage in a barn where the floor collapsed, leaving the car sitting on its frame on the barn beams. It was restored in 2000 and shown at the CCCA Annual Meeting where it earned 100 points, winning its Primary Class Award. It also gained a Senior Award from the CCCA and a Junior and Senior First Place from the AACA.