1929 Marmon Speedster Race Car

The Marmon marque had a history that dates back to the very early 1900s. Howard Marmon, at the age of 23, became chief engineer at his family's Indianapolis, Indian, firm. Initially, the Marmon Company manufactured flour milling machinery; under the determination of Howard Marmon, the company soon began the production of automobiles.

Howard was a University of California Berkeley graduate and a brilliant engineer. His first car was powered by an air-cooled V-twin engine that featured pressured lubrication and overhead valves. By 1903, Marmon had produced a V-4 engine, and by 1905, the company had a 65 horsepower V8 that was powering a 128-inch wheelbase chassis.

Howard continued to experiment, design, and develop throughout the early part of the Twentieth Century. In 1909, the Model 32 was introduced, and soon it would earn a reputation as a formidable race car. It would be known as the Marmon Wasp due to its yellow color and long, pointed tail. It would win the inaugural Indianapolis 500 with Ray Harroun at the wheel.

This 1929 Marmon Speedster Race Car is finished in green with black upholstery. It is powered by an original Marmon eight-cylinder engine and fitted with a modern two-barrel twin Holly carburetor. The drivetrain appears to be correct to the era. The suspension, differential, and front drivetrain are also believed to be original. The bodywork is aluminum with hand-set rivets. All external brightwork is either nickel plated or stainless. The seat is made of leather, and there is a quick-release steering wheel.

In 2008, this Speedster was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $75,000 - $95,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, bidding had failed to satisfy the reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2008