Below you can view more photos of miniature factory built show cars. Click on images to enlarge.
The Marmon Miniatures
Building a Marmon Model
Craftsmen from the Nordyke & Marmon Company work on a 1/4 scale Marmon model in Indianapolis. The model was being built for the 1921 auto shows. These cars were built in the same manner, and using the same materials as the full-size cars. The models would save space in the show booth.
Marmon Illustration
This illustration shows the details of the new Marmon spring suspension, which was duplicated in the model. (Illustration from Marmon 34, a Clymer Publications reprint, 1951.)
Marmon Suspension
A closer look at the real Marmon spring suspension. The claim was that this design allowed a new degree of passenger comfort by eliminating side sway.
Marmon Body Construction
Marmon body construction consisted of the major cast aluminum components shown on the frame in this illustration. These castings were bolted onto the frame. (Illustration from Marmon 34, a Clymer Publications reprint, 1951.)
Marmon Body Construction
This illustration shows the framework for the body section which was made from wood—seasoned white ash—and firmly braced. (Illustration from Marmon 34, a Clymer Publications reprint, 1951.)
1/4 Scale 1921 Marmon 34 Coupe
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Coupe
The steering wheel and dash are visible through the rear window.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Coupe
The upholstery was silk for the closed cars and leather on the others.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Coupe
The large rear brake drum is visible with the wheel removed.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Coupe
The wire wheel has the original whitewall tires. They were showing some cracks from aging, but were still functional.
Jim Waters With the Coupe
Jim Waters (left) was retained by John R. Bond to do the majority of the resoration work in the 1970’s. Mr. Waters had the Coupe outside on top of the original Hartman trunk that served as the shipping container for the model.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Coupe
This photo shows the Marmon Coupe displayed indoors on top of the same original trunk.
1/4 Scale 1921 Marmon 34 Speedster Convertible
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Speedster
These photos of the scale model convertible were taken on a rare behind-the-scenes visit. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bundy.)
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Speedster
A front view of the Marmon Speedster. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bundy.)
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Speedster
An interior view shows the dash with photographs of the gauges inside the bezel. Also visible is the gear shift, brake lever, and steering wheel. The windshield can be laid down flat just like the full-size car. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bundy.)
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Speedster
A spare tire is mounted on the trunk of the model Speedster. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bundy.)
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Speedster
The wire wheels on this model car were painted black. (Photo courtesy of Paul Bundy.)
1/4 Scale 1921 Marmon 34 Town Car
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
A rear view of the 1/4 scale Marmon Town Car.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
The open driver’s compartment is sparse compared to the luxurious rear passenger compartment.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
The interior of the original car contained a heater, dictaphone, vanity case, smoking case with electric lighter, and other niceties.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
Details of the underside of the car can be seen in the following photos.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
The brass fixture on the end of the steering shaft was probably a later repair or addition.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
Part of the rear axle is exposed here, along with the unique Marmon spring suspension.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
The following photos of the model Marmon Town Car were sent to the Barnett’s before they received the car from its previous owners.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
These photos show some additional details of the model car, despite its worn condition.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
In 1921, this would have been an impressive car to arrive in.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
Looking through one of the side windows into the luxurious rear compartment.
1/4 Scale Marmon 34 Town Car
The comparatively stark driver’s seat and steering wheel.
1/4 Scale 1906 REO
1/4 Scale 1906 REO
This model is particularly unique because it is complete with a running engine. In fact, in 1906 it was the first running miniature car. (Photo courtesy of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.)
1/4 Scale 1906 REO
More details can be seen here with the bodywork removed. (Photo courtesy of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.)
1/4 Scale 1906 REO
The 1/4 scale “Baby” REO is shown at a concours in San Diego’s Seaport Village in 1987. The car was then owned by auto designer Dick Teague.
1/4 Scale 1906 REO
The dash and steering feature all of the original gauges and even a small bulb horn. (Photo courtesy of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.)
The “Mama” and “Baby” REO’s
In 2008, the famous pair of display cars were reunited under the ownership of relatives to the late REO Founder, Ransom Eli Olds. Shown here are Mr. Olds’ great grand-daughter Debbie (Anderson) Stephens, and her husband, Peter. After over a century of traveling, the car is finally back in Lansing, Michigan. (Photo courtesy of the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.)
1/2 Scale Bugatti Type 52
1/2 Scale Bugatti Type 52
The 1/2 scale Bugatti on display in the Allan Stone Gallery in New York. The seat is leather and the bonnet and spare tire are held down with leather straps like the full-size car. Only about 250 of the full-size Type 52 Bugattis were built. It has been noted that the miniatures were quite popular, and about 150 were built between 1927 and 1930 (although those numbers are debated). The originals are highly sought-after collectibles.