Speedster
Chassis number: 37388
Engine number: 1369

This 1912 Marion Bobcat Model 33 Speedster entered the John McMullen collection in the early 1990s. It has older mechanical work and cosmetic restoration, which still shows well in modern times. There is a large brass radiator, a marque's bade, and a Marion Moto-Meter. There are plenty of lights, a pair of vintage brass headlamps, and a firewall-mounted spotlight which is operated by the passenger. All three lights are gas-operated with the gas-operated by the cylinder mounted on the running board. There are 32x4 artillery-style wood spoke wheels and a monocle-style round windscreen.

The Marion Company was in business from 1904 through 1915, with the Bobcat being their most legendary and remembered model. It was reminiscent of the later Stutz Bearcat, and both cars shared the same designer, the legendary Harry C. Stutz. In 1910, Stutz was Chief Engineer for Marion. His idea for a factory-built speedster would soon find its way to the race track and into the record book. They were minimalist vehicles that were lightweight, easy to produce, and low-cost. These stripped-down vehicles were fitted with the most powerful engines of their day. The wheelbase measured a mere 111 inches, had two-wheel mechanical brakes, and sold for $1,475.

The Bobcat was produced from 1911 through 1913.

In 2008 this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions, where it was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $160,000. It was offered without reserve. Bidding was far below the estimated value, but since it was without a reserve, the lot was sold for a high bid of $88,000, including the buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan