Keeping some of the world’s great automobiles running requires a considerable amount of work, as well as a source for parts. At one point, the Andrews Collection included no fewer than three surviving examples of the Marmon Sixteen, the Indianapolis automaker’s crown jewel. In order to care for the cars, the Andrews’ set about looking for sources of “spares,” eventually locating this pair of chassis.

One chassis is identified by Dyke W. Ridgley’s Marmon Sixteen Roster as being chassis number 16 140 942, and it is still mounted with its original engine, number 16878, as well as a partial dashboard. The chassis was acquired in the 1950s by well-known former Duesenberg factory mechanic Marion Roberts and his British Motor Company, of Niagara Falls, New York. It was eventually abandoned in the Carolinas and then later passed through the hands of well-known Marmon enthusiasts Bill Snyder and Marvin Tamaroff. Although quite rusty, the chassis is very complete mechanically, less the engine’s carburetor.

The finished chassis without an engine was purchased from the world’s foremost Sixteen collector, Rich Atwell of Texas, and it bears no visible identifying mark or numbers. It has a steering column, steering wheel, and steering gears mounted, and it rides on correct axles, with wire wheels and blackwall tires mounted. With the acquisition of a correct engine and transmission, it would be ideal for further restoration and the owner’s choice of bodywork.