Company overview
The Marquette Motor Company was established in 1909 by General Motors following the acquisition of the Rainier Motor Car Company. The company produced automobiles until 1912, initially manufacturing luxury vehicles based on the Rainier design. It later produced two car lines with four-cylinder engines, offering models such as a 2-passenger runabout and a 7-passenger touring car. General Motors closed the Marquette line in 1912, reopening the plant during World War I to manufacture mortar shells and later engine blocks. In 1930, the Marquette nameplate was revived as a junior brand for Buick. This second iteration of the Marquette utilized the GM B platform and sold in the $1,000 range. It offered six body styles with a distinctive herringbone grille. Production ceased in 1930 due to sales performance and Buick’s decision to introduce the Buick Special as a lower-priced model. Engine production tools were then sent to Germany for use in Opel Blitz vehicles.
