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MONTEREY — Dorothy Levitt was called a lot of things, all references to her whirlwind lifestyle as a journalist, equestrian, race car driver, motor boat champion and driving instructor to Danish royalty.

Levitt, who was born in 1882 in England and died there 40 years later, recommended women traveling alone should carry an automatic pistol. She also suggested women should “carry a little hand mirror in a convenient location when they drive.”

The mirror the author explained in her 1909 book “The Woman and the Car” should be held aloft from time to time to see behind while driving in traffic.”

Levitt’s reference and others’ similar ideas, all within a few years, led to the first attached rearview mirror in consumer automobiles and race vehicles. The latter occurred in 1911 when Ray Harroun drove a Marmon in the inaugural Indianapolis 500.

Defunct for nearly 90 years, four Marmon classics will be part of the offerings at the Mecum Auction today through Saturday at Old Del Monte Golf Course at the Hyatt Regency. The Mecum Auction is one of many going on during Classic Car Week, including Russo and Steele in Monterey, Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction, R.M Sotheby’s auction at Monterey Conference Center and Gooding & Company in Pebble Beach among others.

Visionaries like Levitt, who was called  “Fastest Girl on Earth”‘ and “Champion Lady Motorist of the World,” greatly influenced the automotive industry. A hand-carried mirror and other early adaptations became what the rearview mirror is today.

Marmon Motor Car Company, the American automaker based in Indiana, manufactured luxury cars from 1902 to 1933. Besides its adoption of rearview mirrors, Marmon is also given credit for pioneering the V16 engine and the use of aluminum in auto manufacturing.

The historic Marmon Wasp race car of the early 20th century was the world’s first car to use a single-seater “monoposto” construction layout.

Created in 1902 by Howard Marmon, the luxury car was called the “Mechanical Masterpiece.” The Marmon Wasp was the vehicle driven by Harroun in the Indy 500. The Wasp was also innovative as its advanced into being defined as a “Full Classic Car.”

The company’s signature vehicle arrived in 1931 as the Marmon Sixteens. It was advertised as “The Worlds Most Advanced Motor Car.” Only 390 were built from 1931 to 1933. The four sets for auction in Monterey are part of the Greg Dawson Marmon Sixteen Collection. All are recognized as Full Classics by the CCCA.

With original prices ranging from $4,775 to $6,100, Marmon Sixteens were test driven around the Indy 500 track at various speeds.

Howard Marmon and Chief Engineer Herman Freers created the engine and chassis that powered the new car. Stylist Walter Darwin Teague Sr. was commissioned to design the factory bodies, which were built of aluminum by LeBaron Carrosiers.

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