Marcos Maniacs

<With this engine, even in standard form, the Mantula could accelerate from 0-60 mph in under 6 seconds and the improved aerodynamics allowed speeds of around 140 mph to be reached. The Rover engine also came with a slick 5 speed gearbox to complete the picture.

The Mantula is arguably the most desirable Marcos for day to day use, especially a version with the Granada based independent rear suspension. The bodywork is little changed from the original Adams design of 1963 and the Rover engine is a delightful unit.

The Martina looks, to all the world, just like a Mantula with slightly flared front wheel arches, but lifting the bonnet reveals the 'raison d'etre' of this car. The Martina was intended to bring Marcos ownership to those who could never afford it (The Marcos has never been a cheap car - in the 60's they were dearer than E-Types) and allowed the classic shape to be built around Ford Cortina mechanics (the flared arches accomodating the wider steering rack of the Cortina). Many Marcos owners viewed these cars with disdain, but having driven a beautifully built version with a tuned 2 litre Ford OHC engine, I'd say that there's little to choose between one and, say a V6 GT (except for the sound, the V6 is lovely) and, with humble Ford mechanics, insuring and running one can be a lot more affordable than a Mantula. The Martina was available as an alternative to the Mantula, which continued to be built.

However, despite selling well, the Martina's lifespan was short, as in 1993 the factory made the momentous decision to abandon 'component cars' (Jem claims kit cars are Duttons built on clapped out Escorts) and move into direct competition with the likes of TVR and Porsche by building and selling only fully built, type-approved cars.

The result is the Mantara. Once again the Rover V8 engine was used, this time in 3.9 form (although the current range includes a 5 litre Rover V8!), but strut suspension forced Dennis Adams to add Audi Quattro-like blisters to the front wings, which, in my opinion, sadly don't blend in well with the original shape.

However, the Marcos continues to impress reviewers, especially with its handling and refinement (one daring to say that he felt the Mantara handles better than TVRs latest offerings), and its a source of amusement amongst Marcos owners that journalists still marvel at the adjustable pedals!

With substantial financial backing and a successful race program, Marcos cars continue to sell well.

From 1986, the Mantula was available in Spyder form and this was carried on through the Martina and Mantara models and into the LMs.>>

Excerpt from Mark Saxby's site.

Don

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