Tech Tips and Tid Bits
A LITTLE MARMON TRUCK HISTORY
Back in the 1970s, Marmon trucks were thought to be the Cadillac of the industry. Built for 36 years, these trucks were known for their spacious cabs and “square” shape. Marmon built their first truck, a cabover, under the name Marmon-Herrington in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1961. Back then, the trucks featured steel cabs and Cummins engines (Cat and Detroit engines were available in later models). Marmon made their first conventional in 1969, and then ceased making cabovers in 1984. The company changed hands and moved many times over the years, becoming the Marmon Truck Company in 1963 and moving to Denton, Texas. Later, the factory was moved to Garland, TX. In 1964 the company began building their cabs out of aluminum. In the 1990s, utilizing airplane technology, 
Marmon began constructing their cabs without any rivets (using glue). The last Marmon rolled out of the Garland, TX plant in February of 1997. Ken Matuszak is the owner of that famed last Marmon. To help the Marmon name live on, Ken holds an annual event called the Marmon Truck Gathering. Started in 2002, this event draws in 15-20 Marmon trucks each year and features live music, raffles, an auction, food and seminars by Truck Historian Donald Chew. Ken’s Detroit-powered Marmon, which now has 1.3 million miles on it, will be there, as well as many others. The cabover pictured here was seen at the ATHS National Show & Convention in 2007. This year’s Marmon Truck Gathering is being held on April 17-18 at the TA Travel Center in Terrell, Texas (30 miles east of Dallas). If you love Marmon trucks, or have one to show, don’t miss this fun event. For more information, contact Ken at (469) 667-7158.