The “old timers” at Classic Construction Models have always had a love for antique toys. In many ways it was this love that started us on the road to making our own collectibles almost twenty-five years ago.
In 1996, after a long discussion as to why a toy version has never been built of it, we decided to create our own "tin toy" version of the Marmon Wasp – the car that won the first Indianapolis 500 in 1911. Driven by company engineer Ray Harroun the Wasp finished the race in 6 hours, 42 minutes and 8 seconds after using almost as much oil as gasoline. Built by the Marmon Motor Car Company, it was powered by a six-cylinder engine constructed from three stock Marmon two-cylinder blocks. The Wasp also featured the black and yellow paint scheme that earned its name and a rear-view mirror, which was new to automobiles at the time and designed by Harroun to eliminate the need for a mechanic to ride in the car with him. In 1961 the car got an anniversary lap at the 50th Indy 500 – driven by a very proud Harroun himself.
Our version of the Wasp was conceived as a toy that could have existed so the design and manufacturing was purposefully kept in line with a turn of the century approach. Constructed of pressed steel, cast brass and molded rubber it attained that vintage original look when completed. Painted a bright yellow with the black and red striping of the original car it featured working steering, cast wheels, Firestone tires and full suspension. The scale was approximately 1:12 and came in at over 18 inches long.
Only 200 of these hand-built cars were ever built, each sold with an oak and acrylic display case and numbered certificate of authenticity. As was originally anticipated the CCM Marmon Wasp has become a collectible toy in its own right and a worthy tribute to those who inspired its creation.
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| A full-page ad that ran for the Wasp in Antique Toy World magazine. |
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