The Miracle of the Marmon Motor Car – Part 2

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Rear passengers enjoy luxury including bronze cast interior lamps

Rear passengers enjoy luxury including bronze cast interior lamps

2010 was dominated by the wood-work on the Marmon. Body frame, door frames, roof frames and beams were all found to be more or less rotten. Using the old parts as templates where he could Joseph replaced everything. The wooden roof beams were shaped with heat and patience and the front floor also wood was made from scratch. The detail and precision throughout this period had to be totally correct because it would certainly show up later if there were errors.
Pictured in the Square alongside St Pauls Cathedral Mdina

Pictured in the Square alongside St Pauls Cathedral Mdina

The ornate interior lamps were missing so a fibre glass mould was made and the light units were cast in bronze. The curved steel front seat back-rest supported the new wooden seat frames Joseph constructed. The interior trim and door cards were made to measure and tested for fit, everything was then ready for the upholsterer to work his magic. The fuel tank had several dents along its base so that was cut, repaired and re welded, once painted that too was fitted. Returning to the chassis the differential was refurbished along with the steering column and then the freshly painted front and rear axles were installed as final assembly began. Sagging rear springs were repaired and with the final parts of the running gear painted the chassis was wheeled out of the garage. With the help of many friends the body was then lifted out separately and bolted to the chassis in the street.
Dash panel and wood all new and shaped by Joseph himself

Dash panel and wood all new and shaped by Joseph himself

Now a complete car the Marmon was towed to a nearby garage and on the 2nd January 2004 Joseph’s son Alan applied the first of 5 coats of black paint to the body. Allowing a few days to harden in the Mediterranean heat the paint was flatted and polished several times to achieve the high gloss glass like finish it still has today. All the chrome parts were brought back to perfection in England as this facility is not available in Malta. Once the window glass, headlights and chrome trims were fitted Alan set about the electrics and internal wiring, so by March 2004 the upholsterer would be able to finalise the interior trimming. Finally, the dash and the freshly painted 5 part bonnet, a real feature of the car, were fitted and polished.
Straight eight engine rebuilt by Joseph without plans or manual

Straight eight engine rebuilt by Joseph without plans or manual

On the 14th November 2004 a celebration test drive was taken, they were joined by a cavalcade of 50 cars from the Old Motors Club of Malta; an incredibly proud moment for Joseph, his wife Connie and son Alan. The straight eight 2.8 motor quietly wafted this magnificent car along as the knowledgeable enthusiasts applauded a fantastic achievement that had taken over two decades. Apart from the DVD Joseph also penned the story of the Marmon restoration in a book ‘A Marmon Reborn’ produced with the help of his daughter Rachel. In 2006 the Marmon served as the wedding car for Rachel’s big day. For me the image of the Marmon Model 68 alongside the Cathedral steps in Mdina is a picture that will live long in the memory, especially as I know what it took to get there.