1932 Marmon Sixteen Five-Passenger
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- A definitive example of Classic Era engineering and one of the finest driving automobiles of the 1930s
- Fascinating history, including completing the Monte Carlo Rallye in 1974
- Well-maintained restoration, shown at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
- Recorded in Dyke W. Ridgley’s Marmon Sixteen Roster
- A Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic
Conceived by automotive pioneer Colonel Howard Marmon, the Marmon Sixteen was an engineering triumph, centered around its extraordinary all-aluminum V-16 engine mounted within a sophisticated, state-of-the-art chassis. Producing 200 horsepower from more than 490 cubic inches, the Sixteen could outpace the mighty Duesenberg Model J—yet at roughly one-third the cost. Just 75 examples are believed to survive, with each standing as a definitive statement of Classic Era engineering and as among the finest driving automobiles of the decade.
The elegant five-passenger sedan offered here—one of approximately a dozen known survivors in this body style—benefits from a well-documented history traced by noted Marmon Sixteen roster keeper Dyke W. Ridgley to the early 1960s. It was subsequently acquired by early Marmon Sixteen enthusiast Chester J. Flynn of New York City, who later relocated to Maryland and actively enjoyed the car. Notably, Flynn piloted the Marmon on the 1974 Monte Carlo Rallye, covering approximately 2,200 miles, and later completed the 2,400-mile Glidden Tour in 1977.
In 2014, the car received a comprehensive, no-expense-spared, frame-off restoration by respected craftsmen Lon Krueger and Todd Bymoen. The work encompassed a complete mechanical rebuild, including its V-16 engine, transmission, and rear axle, while preserving the integrity of an exceptionally sound body that required very little wood replacement. As part of the restoration, the engine was rebuilt with new pistons, cylinder heads, valve train components, camshaft, and bearings, while the transmission and rear axle were completely rebuilt as well. Finished to exacting concours-quality standards throughout, the restoration achieved its intended goal when the car was invited to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2017.
Acquired by a prominent South Florida collection in 2021, the car has received superb care and today presents every bit as beautifully as it did immediately following its restoration. The doors close with exceptional precision, panel fit is outstanding throughout, the interior is beautifully finished, and every detail remains in exceptional, concours-quality condition. A restoration of this caliber would cost well into the high six figures today, making this an exceptional opportunity to acquire a Pebble Beach-shown, concours-restored V-16 for a fraction of its replacement cost.
Beautifully presented and supported by a well-documented provenance, this outstanding example represents one of the finest American automobiles of the Classic Era—an exceptional combination of engineering innovation and enduring elegance.
| Monterey, California