1929 Marmon Roosevelt 'Straight 8' Collapsible Coupe (RHD)

Description

Marmon decided to streamline production for the 1929 model year and concentrated entirely on a range of straight eights. Alongside the larger Series 68/78 models, Marmon introduced a new line of smaller, more affordable cars and these were given the brand name ?Roosevelt? after the American President. Hoping to build on the success of cheaper Model 34, the Roosevelt was built on a shorter 113-inch wheelbase, and available with a choice of coachwork styles, including a Sedan, Coupe, Victoria Coupe and Collapsible Coupe. Chiefly notable as the first American straight eight to sell for less than $1,000 (the Sedan and Coupe were both priced at $995), the Roosevelt also became the first offered with a factory installed radio. Another notable feature was the horn button that acted as the starter and headlight switch in addition to sounding a warning honk. The new model was certainly well received at the time and sales took off, with more than 22,000 built, helping to push Marmon's 1929 production to a record total of almost 30,000. Sadly the stock market crash and subsequent development of the ill-fated V16 saw Marmon's fortunes plummet and the company survived only a further four years. The Roosevelt, billed by Marmon as ?Smart transportation for the thrifty?, lasted just two years before becoming the lower priced Model 70.

Photo courtesy of Ellen Dewar