Marcos

GB, 1959 to date

(1) Speedex Castings and Accessories Ltd, Luton, Beds., 1959 – 1961

(2) Monocoque Chassis & Body Co Ltd, Luton, Beds., 1961

(3) Marcos Cars Ltd, Luton, Beds., 1962 – 1963

(4) Marcos Cars Ltd, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts., 1963 – 1970

(5) Marcos Cars Ltd, Westbury, Wilts., 1970 to date

Inspired by aircraft practice, Jem Marsh and Frank Costin developed a Marcos GT car with a composite chassis and lower body made of marine plywood. In the hands of Marsh and W.F. Moss, sufficient racing successes were achieved with the Marcos car to overcome prejudice and skepticism. The first production Marcos model used a Ford 105E engine and gearbox, Nash Metropolitan or Standard 10 rear axle, and Triumph Herald steering and front suspension parts. Fibreglass body panels were fitted on the Marcos car. This model was very successful, and J. Sutton gained the Autosport Trophy in 1961 and 1962 for victories in GT races with the Marcos car. In 1964 a Volvo 1800-engined Marcos car model was introduced, still with wooden chassis, but with all-independent suspension and one-piece body shell. Even with later simplifications, this sleek and distinctive motor car, styled by Denis Adams, was too much of a luxury product to sell in large numbers. The Marcos car was supplemented by a 1½-litre Ford-engined version, and in 1966 a tuned 1.650cc alternative replaced the Volvo.

The Mini-Marcos car arrived in 1965. This Mini Marcos had a fiberglass body/ chassis unit, accepted BMC Mini components, but was still a true GT car in the Marcos car manner. One of these was the only British car to finish the 1966 Le Mans Race. Including this Mini Marcos model, nearly 1.000 Mini Marcos cars had been sold (mostly in kit form) from the commencement of serious production in 1962 up to the end of 1966. Progress continued with the larger Mini Marcos cars, including new models with 3-litre Volvo, V4 2-litre and V6 3-litre Ford engines, still available in component form as well as fully built. Top of the range was the futuristic V6 Marcos Mantis four-seater GT, with square-tube chassis frame, priced at £3.185 in 1970. Production was running at 4 Marcos cars per week and a move was made to larger premises, but a recession in the market led to a severe reduction in the Marcos car firm’s activities in 1972. The Marcos car company was reorganized and the only Marcos car model to continue in production was the Mini-Marcos. Incorporating a succession of minor improvements over the original cars, the Mini-Marcos Mark 4 edition sold at £295 as a kit without engine or suspension parts.

Source: Georgano, encyclopedia of motorcar; DF

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