Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan

Marmon Sixteen Convertible Sedan

The Marmon Sixteen was the crowning achievement of Nordyke & Marmon Company, a firm that had been building automobiles in Indianapolis since 1902. Arriving in 1931, just months after the Cadillac V-16, the Marmon featured what many engineers considered the superior engine — the world's first production all-aluminum V16. Designed by the brilliant Howard Marmon with assistance from his engineering team, the 491 cubic inch engine produced 200 horsepower while weighing significantly less than Cadillac's cast-iron rival. The aluminum block featured a 45-degree V-angle (versus Cadillac's 45 degrees as well) and was considered technically more advanced in nearly every respect. The chassis was designed by Barney Roos, who would later gain fame at Willys-Overland. Body styles ranged from close-coupled sedans to stunning convertible sedans, all of extraordinary quality. Unfortunately, the Marmon Sixteen arrived during the worst of the Great Depression, and at prices starting over $5,000, sales were abysmal. Only approximately 390 were built before Marmon ceased all automobile production in 1933. Today, the Marmon Sixteen is recognized as one of the finest engineering achievements of the classic era.