1925 Marmon D-74 Roadster

[Matt Harwood]

Another spectacular Marmon from the same collection as the previous 1928 roadster and stunning 1911 speedster, this time an imposing 1925 D-74 roadster. Recognized as a Full Classic by the CCCA, this is more like a road-going locomotive than automobile, and everything about it is truly massive (I'm 5'10" and the radiator is chest high and those are 20-inch wheels). Like the '28 we sold a few weeks ago, this one has a lot of cosmetic patina with a fully restored chassis by the experts at Capaldi Enterprises.

It has had just four owners, purchased new in New Jersey, then driven north into Canada and west to Vancouver, where it remained until the current owner acquired it. The original owner passed it to his favorite mechanic in Vancouver who was fond of the car and who had maintained it for many years. He in turn sold it to a pilot, and it was acquired in the 1980s by the current owner.

I don't know what to call the color, it's not quite orange, not quite peach, not quite beige, but somewhere in between. It is not the original paint, but it is quite old and they at least made an effort to match the original color, which can still be seen inside the cowl vent lid and is slightly more yellow than the current finish. It actually looks great in person and is period correct. The nickel-plated trim is in good condition and has that nice, soft glow that nickel gets, and shines up well with a little elbow grease. The bodywork is aluminum, so performance is more than impressive, and the overall condition is straight, clean, and very presentable as-is. And who doesn't love a huge car like this with double rear spares, making the already giant 136-inch wheelbase seem even longer.

The driver's compartment has new black leather in the original pattern, new door panels, and a new canvas top, all done within the past few years. The steering wheel, floors, and gauges remain original, but in good shape and everything works. The rumble seat is original black leather that shows some age, but again, don't replace it, just preserve it.

The engine is a 340 cubic inch OHV inline-six, which was rated at 74 horsepower (hence the D-74 moniker). Fully rebuilt by Capaldi, it runs beautifully and delivers earth-moving torque at low RPM, yet cruises at 50 MPH. The transmission, suspension, and brakes were all rebuilt and restored at the same time, so mechanically it is fully sorted and ready to tour. No smoke, no noises, no overheating, just a reliable, powerful, swift roadster with a ton of presence on the road.

Best of all, it has the mythical blackwall tires, no trunk, and no Trippe lights. AJ and West, you've run out of excuses, here is your car!

Asking $79,900 and we're always negotiable. You'll not find a better mid-20s touring candidate than this.

Edited March 6, 2012 by Matt Harwood
NEW PRICE (see edit history)

[1927 S]

Matt Sorry I have not got back to you, love the 28. Poked a hole in the radaitor trying to put the lightning bolt on, repaired so everything ok. Could you send some photos of the underside ? Thanks Brian

Edited December 18, 2011 by 1927 S (see edit history)

[Matt Harwood]

New price $79,900. Tour season is coming and this car is a fantastic driver!