The Greg Dawson Marmon Sixteen Collection Full Feature // Mecum Monterey Aug. 18-20

The Greg Dawson Marmon Sixteen Collection irrefutably represents the highest quality examples of this rare model, offering classic car enthusiasts and top-notch collectors a unique opportunity to take a piece of significant automotive history home for themselves. Creator Howard Marmon developed his first advanced automobile design in 1902, which was marketed as ahead of its time. The “Mechanical Masterpiece,” as it was called, led to the success of the Marmon Motor Car Company through the early 20th century, including the Marmon Wasp, winner of the first Indianapolis 500 race in 1911, which was important to the innovation and refinement that created cars of the late 1920s, known today as “Full Classic Cars.” However, most impressive by any definition was the Marmon Sixteen, introduced in March 1931. Howard Marmon took an active role in the design of the Marmon Sixteen, which was advertised as “The Worlds Most Advanced Motor Car.” With an original price ranging from $4,775 to $6,100, all Marmon Sixteens were test driven around the Indianapolis 500 track at various speeds, a process that resulted in the presentation of a certificate of completion with each new car. Howard Marmon and Chief Engineer Herman Freers created the engine and chassis that powered the new car, and stylist Walter Darwin Teague Sr. was commissioned to design the factory bodies, which were built of aluminum by LeBaron Carrosiers. The highlight, of course, was the 16-cylinder engine. Although Cadillac...