For the inaugural Indianapolis 500 Race in 1911, Marmon created a six-cylinder engine and fitted it into a vehicle they called the Model 32. With Ray Harroun driving, Marmon traversed the course faster than the competition and went on to secure an overall victory. This was a very impressive achievement and highlighted the ingenuity and potential of the company.
The 1914 Marmon 41 Speedster has seating for two and dual rear-mounted spare tires. It has graceful running boards that flow from the front to the rear of the car. Under the long bonnet sits a 500 cubic-inch inline six-cylinder L-head engine that is capable of producing 70 horsepower and a solid top speed in the 75 mph range. It has a force-feed lubrication system and a Bosch Magneto ignition. The gearbox is a three-speed unit with a cone clutch. Stopping power is provided by the internal expanding brakes.
It left the factory with a sticker price of $3,250 which was a very steep price for a vehicle at the time, especially for a two-seater. For the same price, one could buy five Ford Model Ts. What the customer got when they purchased the Marmon was one that had impressive power, superior performance, and style that matched. The vehicles were built to the highest standards and the materials used were of the finest grade.
This Model 41 Speedster was discovered in the 1950s after many years of hibernation and neglect. Since then it has spent time in museums and at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. It has been shown at numerous exhibits and events; it has been driven on tours.
The Marmon company couldn't survive the Great Depression and went out of business in 1933. But they left behind some of the most exquisite and well built cars of their era.
