LOT 332
1913 Marmon Model 48 48HP Speedster Chassis no. 1613001 Engine no. 25811
Sold for US$212,800 inc. premium
Lot 332
1913 Marmon Model 48 48HP Speedster
Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia Auction|7 October 2019, 13:00 EDT|Philadelphia, Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum
1913 Marmon Model 48 48HP Speedster
Chassis no. 1613001
Engine no. 25811
Chassis no. 1613001
Engine no. 25811
572.6ci T-head Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
48bhp
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Rear Elliptic Leaf Springs
Rear-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Believed 1 of 2 surviving 48hp Marmons
*Desirable brass era speedster
*Well set up for touring
*Powerful 6-cylinder 48hp engine
THE MARMON MODEL
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.
Howard Marmon produced his first air-cooled V-2 motorcar in 1902. After several evolutions, he settled on a straight-six configuration and built a solid reputation for dependable, yet innovative automobiles. One of Marmon's most celebrated creations was the rear-view mirror, which eradicated the need for a rear-facing engineer to spot the approaching competition. Using this new feature to its advantage, the Marmon 'Wasp' won the inaugural Indy 500 in 1911.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Model 48 Marmon was the largest and most powerful car produced by Marmon before WW1. Unfortunately, not much is known about this particular car's early history. Marmon only built 343 model 48 over the course the vehicle production run. From the serial number of this particular car, it is believed that it is possibly the very first Model 48 produced in 1913 and also believed that this car was delivered as a speedster.
The earliest known history of this particular Marmon comes from 1961. At this time, it was owned by Ed VanBenschoten, a brass car enthusiast in the Buffalo, New York area. He retained the car until September of 1980 when it was acquired by the consignor.
At the time of his purchase, the car was very much a restoration project. It did retain all of its original major components including the original frame, axles, engine, transmissions, and steering column.
The car's restoration was entrusted to Michael Thomas of New Richmond, Ohio. A great deal of research was conducted, and the car was restored to original specifications provided by the Marmon Club. During this restoration, a new speedster body was built. The engine was completely rebuilt and balanced. The car was unveiled at the 2003 Ault Park Concours.
In recent years, the car has been looked after by noted Brass Car Specialist Dave Staadt. Recent work has included the fitting of brake lights and turn signals for safety, as well a modern starter motor, and one wire alternator was fitted.
Today, this car presents extremely well. Having been in the care of the consignor for the past 39 years, it will undoubtedly be a fast an exciting tour car for its next owner.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the headlamp image on page 98 of the printed catalog belongs to the Ford of Lot 339.
Additional information
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