1917 Marmon 34 Cloverleaf

[morepower]

1917 Marmon "Cloverleaf" Touring/Roadster Model 34. **Power, style and rarity for half the price of Packard or Caddy!**

Excellent older restoration in white/black, red wire wheels and a lovely patina to the red leather seats. Prior owned by a noted northwest collector since 1968. Attractively rakish on a long 136-in. wheelbase, twin-mount rear spares and low windshield. Numerous spares included. Recent work includes carb rebuild, clean fuel screen, valve adjustment, clean and reset points, replace spark plugs, adjust timing and carb, oil change and detailing. Vehicle has the usual nicks and blemishes. Runs like a top! A comfortable and powerful touring car ideal for any concours or tour, and potentially eligible for the CCCA's contemplated extension of manufacturing years to 1916. VIN 4171045.

Spares include: Stromberg updraft carb HN03, Bosch magneto DU6, distributor gear, generator, horn, tonneau cover, owners manual.

Marmon History is Rich in Performance and Innovation

The 19^th century Indianapolis-based wagon maker Nordyke Marmon followed many of its peers by making a giant leap into the horseless carriage business shortly after the turn of the century. The company had the good fortune to be led by the Stanford-educated engineering genius, Howard Marmon. From the beginning of their auto production in 1905, until the end at the depths of the Great Depression in 1933, Marmon was known for expensive sporting cars of advanced engineering and design. Most famously was the Marmon Wasp, driven by Ray Harroun who won the inaugural 1911 Indy 500 pioneering the use of rear view mirrors and eliminating the need for a riding spotter/mechanic.

The 1917 Marmon model 34 was the company’s most successful commercial effort, and enjoyed a production run of 10 years, a testament to how advanced a car it was during the time of its introduction. It was well accepted by the affluent and demanding customers of the day. The Model 34 makes extensive use of aluminum, the bodywork was integrated to the chassis design to be stress-bearing and the engine was an advanced overhead valve inline six of 340 cubic inches. The Marmon 34 weighed just 3,295 lbs and could travel at 80 MPH.

This particular Marmon is an early production model with the unique “Cloverleaf” configuration with two compact front bucket seats and just two doors; together with its special front-to-rear access pathway the layout resembled a cloverleaf when viewed from above.

Marmon’s Model 34 set a high standard for long distance performance and held the Trans-continental speed record, which proved to be a popular marketing tool. Another marketing effort was Marmon’s attempt to win a U.S. Army contract to furnish the Model 34 for use in Europe during WWI, which took place in Marfa, TX. A number of Model 34s were shipped to Fort D.A. Russell where they were tested in the rugged Big Bend terrain. They were then driven to Washington, DC and remarkably burned no oil and experienced no serious breakdowns. A model 34 was driven coast-to-coast to beat Erwin "Cannonball" Baker's record.

Marmon’s swan song was its fabulous V16, built from 1931-33 which was arguably the most sophisticated multi-cylinder engine of the era.

Open to offers! Trades considered—WHAT HAVE YOU?

Located Alpine, TX

Please contact eric@pixacar.com

Edited April 8, 2014 by morepower (see edit history)

[roysboystoys]

Who could ask for anything more. Great car.

[CatBird]

Price??

[morepower]

Bill, please email me directly at eric@pixacar.com. Thanks, Eric