Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 200
1923 Marmon Model 34 Speedster Chassis no. 2230097
Estimate: US$50,000 - US$70,000
Lot 200
1923 Marmon Model 34 Speedster
1923 Marmon Model 34 Speedster
Chassis no. 2230097
Chassis no. 2230097
339.6ci OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Updraft Stromberg Carburetor
84bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Semi-Elliptical Leaf Spring
2-Wheel Mechanical Brakes
*Single family ownership since 1960
*Wonderfully preserved example
*Excellent candidate for restoration
*Desirable speedster body
MARMON AUTOMOBILES
The Marmon car was built in Indianapolis, by Nordyke & Marmon. The firm had produced flour-milling machinery for more than half a century before automobiles came along. Family scion Howard Marmon built their first car in 1902. This brilliant, highly regarded engineer would lead the Marmon car to worldwide fame and acceptance.
In 1911, the first Indianapolis 500 race was won by a Marmon "Wasp" racer. By the 'teens and '20s, a sporty Marmon was quite the proper car for any occasion. When the Model 34 was first introduced in 1916 it proved to be a foreshadowing of things to come. Its painted radiator shell and non-louvered hood defied the conventions of the period and its relatively compact Inline 6 provided substantial grunt. In 1931, the powerful and massive Marmon Sixteen was introduced. Although the last Marmon cars were built in 1933, the company went on to produce Marmon-Herrington 4-wheel drive conversions for decades.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The stylish and sporting Marmon Model 34 Speedster presented has remained in single family ownership 1960. Unfortunately, no record exists as to who or where the car was purchased from and the vehicles whereabouts prior to its current ownership remained vailed in mystery. Regardless, the father of the Marmon's current owner greatly took advantage of the workshop located within his garage to maintain the Speedster. It is largely believed that from 1961 to 1995 of the mechanical work was carried out within this space without any third-party support. However, in 1961, the car was towed to Smithtown Auto Upholstery in New York to have the seats and perhaps the top redone. Within that same month, a 14 coat Lacquer SCBDR33WX7C044818 'Refinish' was applied to the exterior of the vehicle. Of the original documentation that would have been delivered with the Marmon, only the 'Information Book' remains, but invoices and receipts of the work carried out are included within the history file. The Speedster was used many times over the decades and would be included in the local 4th of July parade every year. In 1995, illness prevented its owner from further enjoying the car and it has sat, carefully stowed away ever since. As it was running at the time of storage, it should be noted that the care is complete with a great deal of its components. With some mechanical work, the return to roadworthiness should be a straightforward project.
This Marmon presents as a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking to bring a wonderful piece of pre-war motoring back on the road.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the title for this vehicle will be in transit.
Additional information
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