1923 Marmon Model 34

Howard Carpenter Marmon founded the Marmon Motor Car Company in 1851, and it continued until the early 1930s when the Great Depression brought its existence to an end. In 1902, Howard produced his first air-cooled V-2 motorcar, which was followed by several evolutions before settling on a straight-six configuration. The company would build a reputation for dependability and innovation.

The Model 32 of 1909 spawned a racing version called the Wasp, which was driven by Marmon engineer Ray Harroun to victory at the first-ever Indianapolis 500 motor race, in 1911. The car featured the world's first known automobile rear-view mirror, which eradicated the need for a rear-facing engineer to monitor approaching competition.

The Marmon Company's most successful motorcar was the Model 34, which was introduced in 1916. Its engine was an overhead valve, inline six-cylinder unit with a 340 cubic-inch displacement. It rested within a steel frame and wore lightweight aluminum coachwork. With a top speed of approximately 80 mph, it was favored by the automotive elite and the U.S. government, who commissioned several Marmon 34s for the European campaign in WWII. A Model 34 broke Erwin 'Cannonball' Baker's 1916 record for driving 'from sea to shining sea' in under 54 hours. It was also used as the Pace Car in the 1920 Indianapolis 500.

Production of the Model 34 would continue into the early 1920s when it was replaced by new models for 1924.

The 1923 Marmon Model 34 rested on a 136-inch wheelbase platform, and its six-cylinder engine was rated at 85 horsepower. Several body styles were offered, including 4- and 7-passenger Phaetons, 4- and 7-passenger sedans, 2- and 4-passenger Speedsters, 4- and 7-passenger Convertible Phaetons, and 7-passenger Limousines, Suburban, and Town Car.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019