SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE
491CI/200HP
TRANSMISSION
3-Speed Manual
EXTERIOR COLOR
Black
INTERIOR COLOR
Gray
MAKE
Marmon
MODEL
Sixteen
BODY STYLE
Convertible Sedan
AUCTION
Monterey 2022
HIGHLIGHTS
- Chassis no. 16-145666
- 1 of approximately 10 Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedans remaining
- 1 of 2 new Marmon Sixteens purchased in 1931 by Mr. Goldschmidt of Modesto, California
- In 1955 it was sold to Scott Dean of Fairview Park, Ohio
- The Marmon was sold to Don Lyons of Dowagiac, Michigan in 1995
- Purchased by Greg Dawson in 2003
- Concours restoration by Bill Godisak's Sun Ray Restorations of Dowagiac, Michigan
- Best in Class at the Meadow Brook Hall Concours d'Elegance
- First Place at the Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance
- Featured at the 2011 Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio
- All Marmon Sixteens, including this example, were tested new at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- Copy of original Speedway test certificate included
- Coachwork by LeBaron, designed by Walter Dorwin Teague
- Type 145 four-door convertible sedan
- Rebuilt 491/200 HP 45-degree V-16 engine with reproduction cylinder heads built by Edelbrock Engineering
- Distributor ignition
- 3-speed manual transmission with added overdrive designed for modern highway cruising speeds
- Black exterior
- Black flush-folding convertible top with removable center pillars
- Gray leather interior
- In-dash clock
- 145-inch wheelbase
- Leaf springs
- 4-wheel drum brakes
- Chrome wire wheels with Marmon Sixteen logos
- Blackwall tires
THE STORY
The Marmon Motor Car Company’s efforts paid off with a win at the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911, which eventually led to the 1931 introduction of the fabulous Marmon Sixteen as “The World’s Most Advanced Motor Car.” This Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan—Style 145, Chassis No. 16-145666—is from the Greg Dawson Marmon Sixteen Collection and rides on a 145-inch wheelbase chassis supported by front and rear parallel semi-elliptic leaf springs and a beam front axle. The brakes are 4-wheel, mechanical, 16-inch drums, while the 18-inch, chrome-plated, steel-spoke wheels wear 700-18 black sidewall tires and large, Marmon-badged, bright center caps.
Power comes courtesy of a 490.8 CI OHV V-16 engine with a cast aluminum alloy uni-block and heads. Innovative Marmon Sixteen features include a downdraft carburetor and mechanical fuel pump, and the Sixteen produces 200 HP at 3,400 RPM, providing more than adequate speed and acceleration. The engine has had new, reproduction Edelbrock aluminum heads installed to correct the problems with the originals. These are very limited production and expensive. The engine is backed by a 3-speed manual Synchromesh transmission with floor shift, and to make this particular Sixteen more “user friendly,” a Gear Vendors overdrive transmission has been installed, which enables the vehicle to cruise at modern highway speeds while saving wear and tear on the engine.
Like all Marmon Sixteens, the convertible sedan body was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague and built by LeBaron Corrossiers from aluminum. Only 49 of this design were built. The body and fenders are finished in gloss black with polished aluminum and stainless trim, and dual steel-cover spare tires are mounted in the fenders. A black, fabric convertible top completes the overall exterior appearance, while the interior is trimmed in pleated gray leather.
This Marmon Sixteen was purchased originally by a Mr. Goldschmidt of Modesto, California, as one of two he acquired at that time. This car was used very little and was eventually put into storage until 1955. The second owner was Scott Dean of Fairview Park, Ohio, who also used the car for a short time and stored it until 1995. It then went to Don Lyons of Dowagiac, Michigan, with Lyons commissioning Bill Godisak of Sun Ray Restorations to perform a complete restoration in 1996.
This Marmon has been shown and won a First Primary Award and a First Senior Award at a CCCA Grand Classic, with the car carrying CCCA Senior Badge No. 2174. The car was also shown at the Concours d’Elegance at Meadow Brook Hall, where it won First in Class and the next year won another First in Class at the Eyes on Design show in Grosse Point, Michigan. The car has won additional awards since its acquisition by its current owner in 2003, including wins at Meadow Brook Hall and the 2011 Glenmoor Gathering in Canton, Ohio, winning an award of excellence.
Like all four of the Greg Dawson Marmon Sixteen Collection, this vehicle has been documented by Marmon authority Dyke Ridgely and listed in his registry of Marmon Sixteens. Due to continual maintenance and proper storage, this vehicle remains in excellent overall condition. This is believed to be the most authentic and most accurately restored Marmon Sixteen convertible sedan of the 10 known to exist today.
PHOTOS
