The 1931 Marmon Sixteen is a luxurious and innovative automobile that marked the pinnacle of engineering for the Marmon Motor Car Company. Renowned for its powerful V16 engine, elegant design, and cutting-edge features, it competed with other luxury marques like Cadillac and Duesenberg during the early 1930s.
Colonel Howard Marmon created a triumph of pattern making and foundry technology in aluminum castings which could be utilized to create the Marmon Sixteen engine. The Marmon Sixteen was a mechanical marvel of its era with an all aluminum sixteen-cylinder engine in a state of the art chassis. Producing 200 horsepower from its 491 cubic inch engine, the Marmon Sixteen was able to out accelerate a Duesenberg Model J at one third the price.
This Coupe is one of six examples known to exist and retains its original engine, chassis and LeBaron coachwork. Prior ownership is well documented by noted Marmon Sixteen historian Dyke Ridgely.
Overview
- Manufacturer: Marmon Motor Car Company
- Production Year: 1931-1933
- Designer: Walter Dorwin Teague (styling), Howard Marmon (engineering)
- Class: Luxury car
Engine Specifications
- Type: 8.0-liter (491 cubic inches) V16
- Configuration: 45-degree naturally aspirated
- Power Output: Approximately 200 horsepower
- Valvetrain: Overhead valves (OHV), two valves per cylinder
- Construction: Aluminum block and heads (a pioneering use of aluminum in automotive engines)
Transmission
- Type: 3-speed manual
Performance
- Top Speed: Around 100 mph (161 km/h)
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): Approximately 20 seconds (depending on body style)
Design and Construction
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Body and Chassis:
Marmon offered the Sixteen with a variety of body styles, including sedans, coupes, and convertible sedans. The chassis was built for strength and stability, utilizing a long 145-inch wheelbase. -
Weight Reduction:
The extensive use of aluminum for both the engine and body panels reduced weight compared to other luxury cars of the time, improving performance and handling. -
Interior:
Lavish interiors featured fine wood trim, leather upholstery, and state-of-the-art instrumentation, emphasizing the car’s luxury positioning.
Innovations
- First Production V16 Engine by Marmon:
While Cadillac introduced a V16 in 1930, Marmon’s engine was lighter and more advanced due to its aluminum construction. - Advanced Engineering:
Designed by Howard Marmon, the engine featured innovations that influenced future luxury and performance car designs.
Legacy
- Rarity and Collectibility:
Only around 400 Marmon Sixteens were produced, making them extremely rare and valuable today. - Market Position:
The Sixteen was Marmon’s attempt to survive the Great Depression by competing in the ultra-luxury segment, but economic pressures led to the company’s closure in 1933. - Design Influence:
Walter Dorwin Teague’s styling made the Sixteen a benchmark in luxury aesthetics, often praised for its refined proportions and timeless elegance.
Summary
The 1931 Marmon Sixteen stands as a testament to engineering ambition and luxurious design during the pre-war era. Its advanced V16 engine, lightweight construction, and graceful appearance make it a symbol of automotive innovation and exclusivity. Today, it is celebrated as one of the greatest classic American cars ever built, commanding respect and high value among collectors.
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