Named after founding members engineer Jem Marsh and legendary aircraft aerodynamicist Frank Costin, the British sports car manufacturer Marcos was built upon a wealth of experience. Notable Marcos innovations included the use of plywood, which Costin carried over from his work on the de Havilland Mosquito fighter bomber, and glass fibre - the perfect material to produce the highly aerodynamic bodywork that would excel on the racetrack. Marcos did well in motorsport with the likes of Jackie Stewart, Derek Bell, Jackie Oliver and Jonathan Palmer in the driving seat though it was in later years when its road cars really came into their own.

After almost a decade of offering road cars in kit form, the Mantara was launched in 1992 and was built exclusively in-house. It bore many similarities to its Mantula predecessor although was significantly improved by MacPherson strut front suspension, replacing an antiquated Triumph-derived trunnion system. Power came courtesy of a fuel-injected 190 horsepower 3.9-litre Rover V8 driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. Marcos said it would hit 60mph in 5.4 seconds and would go on to a 140mph top speed. 

This 1996 example has just 30,800 miles on the odometer which is supported by the detailed service history that accompanies the car. It’s also been freshly serviced on 25th September 2024 in readiness for its next keeper and comes with a long advisory-free MOT. 

The Marcos community is supported by two active car clubs, two specialists who worked at the factory making the cars and know the cars intimately.  During the year there are club organised gatherings at British and European events. 

Beautifully presented throughout and in very good original condition, this Marcos awaits its fourth registered keeper.   What a great alternative to the rather obvious TVR.