1932 Marmon Sixteen Victoria Coupe

The V-16 Marmon engine displaced 490.8 cubic inches and produced approximately 200 horsepower at 3400 RPM. The wheelbase was 145 inches with 7.00 x 19 or 7.00x18 tires, and weighing 5,360 pounds.

The 1931's cost $5,200 to $6,000, rising to $5,700 to $6,100 for 1932, then with the depression closing in, the price dropped to a range of $4,825 to $5,175 in 1933 when production plunged to 86 cars.

The company's last non-classics were made in 1932 with the Model 70 and Model 125. The bodies of the V-16s were built by LeBaron in Detroit. All of the chassis of the cars were tested at the Indianapolis Speedway before the bare chassis was sent to Detroit.

The gears could be downshifted from high to second at 80 mph without a gear clash, according to the company. The car was guaranteed to be able to reach 105 mph.

Some believe that fewer than 400 Marmon 16s may have been produced, but the actual number may have been larger. There were only small cosmetic changes in the 16-cylinder bodies from the first to the last year of production.

This vehicle is an awarded winner at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, AACA Junior and Senior award winner, and a winner of the AACA presidents Cup Award in 1993. The Victoria Coupe is one of the more unusual body styles produced, and it is estimated that there are less than ten in existence today. It is considered a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America.

A desirable overdrive unit was installed in 2005, which allows this Marmon to operate effortlessly under all conditions and can be highway driven at speeds in excess of 70 MPH with ease.

In 1902, Howard Marmon completed his first car at the age of 23.

This 1932 Marmon Sixteen Victoria Coupe was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It had an estimated value of $200,000 - $250,000. The car features the infamous 490 cubic-inch overhead valve V16 engine that was tipped at a 45-degree angle and capable of producing 200 horsepower. There is a three-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel servo-assisted mechanical drum brakes. It has been treated to a restoration that was believed to have cost $164,000 and taken two years to complete by a professional restoration shop. After completing the work, it was awarded an AACA Senior award. It is finished in two-tone gray. The bodywork is finished in dove-gray, while the fenders have a dark gray color and a dark gray leather top. There are six chrome wire wheels with chromed metal covers, rear-view mirrors, and a rear-mounted trunk.

This car has racked up numerous awards including an AACA National First Place, President's Cup at the National Fall Meet, and an award winner at Pebble Beach.

The car has a sporting appearance, thanks to its Victoria Coupe body style. It is a practical car with plenty of interior room for occupants, accommodating up to four individuals, who will be treated to the finest of luxury and quality available to the era. The engine guarantees smooth driving, quick acceleration, and superior performance to many other vehicles traveling the road of similar age.

This car was believed to have sold for a high bid of $250,000, but it went higher than that, selling for $302,500, including the buyer's premium.

Only two production sixteen-cylinder automobiles were manufactured in the United States - the Cadillac Sixteen and the Marmon Sixteen. The Marmon was introduced in November 1930, 11 months after the Cadillac Sixteen's appearance, and deliveries did not begin until April 1931.

The Marmon Sixteen was spectacular, but for the struggling Marmon Company, it was a case of 'too much, too late.' The market was disappearing for a $5,000, 200 horsepower luxury automobile.

Although the Marmon Company also produced a less expensive eight-cylinder motorcar, it focused all its efforts on the Sixteen for 1933. By May of that year, the company was in receivership. The automobile company that had won the first Indianapolis 500 race in 1909 had become part of history.

John E. Morgan acquired it in 1986 and sent it to the Stone Barn Restoration Shop in New Jersey for a complete restoration to exacting standards. After the work was completed, it won many significant awards, including a First Junior, First Senior, and the Coveted President's Award from the Antique Automobile Club of America. It has also won a class award at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

John Groendyke of Oklahoma acquired the vehicle in 2002 and upgraded the restoration as needed. The current owner acquired the vehicle in 2007. Since then, it has been shown at several major concours including Meadow Brook and the Glenmoor Gathering, where it has won Best of Class awards.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009