(first posted 10/2/2012) The grand Marmon Sixteen may have died in the depths of the Depression, but Walter Marmon certainly didn’t go down with it. Instead, he joined forces with Arthur Herrington, an ex-military engineer, to develop and build all-wheel drive vehicles for military and civilian applications. Although most of the initial production comprised larger trucks and vehicles, they had also identified a market for civilian 4x4s and were pursuing it. The result was the Marmon-Herrington Ford, a 1940 version of which is pictured above–and the conversion didn’t stop at wagons.
But before we go there, let’s take in this wicked woody. I’m usually not into the jacked-up look, but it gives this particular Ford wagon just enough attitude (and altitude) to really get my juices flowing. Those knobby balloon tires with their tiny hubcaps, and that protruding Ford differential under the front end…
Here’s one of the 29 1940 Ford sedans converted by M-H. A four-speed transmission with a very low first gear was part of the package, as were extensive modifications to the frame, suspension and drive train. Many went to Central and South America, where they served for decades as vehicles for American mining executives and staff.
This one, used by some South American military personnel, is showing off its capabilities.
M-H’s truck conversions were successfully developed into armored cars during World War II.
The company also won a design competition for an ultra-compact tank, the CTLS…
…which led to the T-9, alter-called M-22. It was intended to flown into battle in a glider called the Hamilcar. Indeed, World War II was a nightmare, but also an very fertile environment for creative minds to be unleashed.
After the war, M-H chose trolley buses as their next major new product line. Their buses, which featured advanced design and a lightweight monocoque body, dominated the market and also were exported. Their last user, as late as 1981, was Pittsburgh.
Today, M-H is still doing conversions for Ford and other manufacturers, as well as making specialized all-wheel drive axles and other related components–but with no mention of Lincoln Town Cars.
I’d give my left lug nut for that Woodie!
Stunning. Put me down for one too please!
Yes, that woody rocks!
I had a feeling M-H was going to be the follow up to the Marmon 16 CC. Up until the late 50’s M-H conversions were also the standard solution for 4×4 pickups, after that the big 3 developed their own drivetrains. The 4×4 sedans are very cool and remind of a prettier Volvo Sugga. I also immediately flashed on the Dangel Peugeot conversions as a lighter European version.
So did I!
https://manofmany.com/rides/cars/the-peugeot-break-4×4-dangel-is-the-missing-link
I love the M-H Ford sedan. I remember reading about M-H 4 wheel drive Ford trucks years ago, but had pretty much forgotten about them. A really great niche market. A modern M-H Crown Victoria would be really, really cool.
I don’t think I knew anything about this. Marmons yes. MHF never had a clue. Thanks for the enlightenment.
Love the trolley bus. Here in Vancouver, we are fortunate that the powers that be left electric buses in service and have even expanded their use. We even have long, articulated trolley buses. They make the city a much better place to live!
I’ve seen M-H pickups before. Never seen the woody or sedan. I could see the sedans being a rural mail carriers dream here in the snow belt. I’m suprised more weren’t made.
I must admit the woody does have a certain attraction to it.
Marmon Sixteen’s engineer was Howard Marmon. What happened to him, and who was this Walter Marmon guy?
Walter was Howard’s older brother, and also an engineer. In the old Marmon Auto company, Walter had been the management guy and Howard had been the engineering guy.
After the company went into receivership, Howard had one last big engineering job in him: The 1932 HCM was a one-off V-12 car built on a central tubular frame. The engine was a cut-down V-16, and this car was also styled by Walter Dorwin Teague, Jr. This car was even more advanced than the Sixteen, but given the economy and other factors, Howard Marmon could find no way to get the car built.
After the implosion of the auto business, Marmon retired to Pineola County, North Carolina with his wife. He had called this his permanent residence since the late 1920s, traveling back to Indianapolis when business required. It appears that he lived a quiet life of retirement there until his death in 1943.
Great car! Even has Pierce-Arrow style fender headlights.
I have a 1949 M-H Ford Bus, It was used in Ouray Colorado. It is a very narrow short bus, approximately 10 passenger. The body is a Hicks. It is complete including the badging. I am considering building it into a Hot Rod. It seems this bus may be too rare to cut up as I can not find another one like it. Could you please let me know your opinion?
I am probably the wrong guy to ask, because as a rule, I hate hot rods. I am an originality kind of guy. However, I am first to acknowledge that it is neither my bus nor my money. Seriously, I don’t really have a background with M-H 4wd, or with buses in general, so you might do better to seek out the opinions of folks in those communities. Sounds like you have found a really cool old bus, however you decide to proceed with it.
My opinion: Don’t do it. At least take your time, do some research, and think it over carefully. You most likely have a very rare bus indeed.
There are some seriously detailed pics of this rig on the HAMB. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75008
My dream “Woodie” is still a Willys.
If I proceed with this as a Hot Rod I would leave the M-H Chassis intact and utilize only the Hicks Body. This way someone could put a Ford Truck Body on it.
I know some people don’t like the Hot Rod idea, however it would be so cool.
I would be interested in your chassie.
My Marmon Harrington bus is for sale complete and unaltered.
It is 6′ wide 18′ long, totally origional. Let me know if you are interested
Hello, there….Just curious if you ever found a buyer for your MH bus? We have a 1948 MH bus which was converted in 1958 to a motor home with a ’57 T-Bird Engine. Prior to its conversion when my uncle, Eddy (Babe) Martel, acquired it upon its retirement from service, it was used as a NY transit bus in the Stoney Point area.
It has a narrow beam and is only 28′ long. Where ever we take it, it draws a huge amount of attention from strangers or, quite often, from folks who knew my uncle and his unique coach from all the years he drove it cross country until his death about 15 years ago.
One bit of trivia that did not make it into the discussion when this ran the first time around is that Marmon-Herrington took over a plant that had formerly been used in building the Duesenberg automobile. That plant on South Harding Street in Indianapolis is (I believe) still there.
I believe they (both headquarters and manufacturing operations) left Indianapolis in the early 60s.
Another vehicle I’d never heard of that suddenly seems irresistable–a few interior photos here: https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/hcc/2013/11/Splinter-Group—1940-Marmon-Herrington-4×4-Ford-woodie/3731451.html#PhotoSwipe1532464727528
What a wonderful dashboard! Reminds me of a vintage radio.
WWII ad (North Africa) with one of today’s woodies:
I was aware of M-H, both the 4wd conversions and the electric busses, but didn’t realize they were connected with the earlier luxury cars.
Love the Woodie Wagon. I knew of Marmon-Herrington 4×4 conversions, but I didn’t know they also built trolley buses and are still in business. Makes sense, though. There just isn’t enough demand for specialty vehicles to justify dedicating factory space for them – might as well farm it out.
Pretty cool woody .
I’ve seen more than a few M-H converted GM pickups but would really enjoy being able to climb over a Ford Woody .
-Nate
NEAT!
There were a number of different companies, IIRC, doing 4×4 conversions in the 1940’s and 1950’s, the market was generally regional, and covered both light-duty and medium duty.
Coleman in Colorado:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/truckstop-classic-1954-dodge-v8-job-rated-truck-that-thing-got-a-hemi/
Fabco on the West Coast:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/fabco-automotive-1918-2017-a-san-francisco-bay-area-automotive-legend/
NAPCO in Minnesota
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-capsule-1956-gmc-pickup-dont-judge-a-pickup-by-its-grille/