1962 Marcos GT Xylon

Marcos Sportscars was founded in 1959 by BRDC member and racer, Jem Marsh, and the engineer Frank Costin. The latter had experience of building wooden aeroplanes and he put this knowledge to good use in the early days with the use of plywood in all early chassis.

Their first race car was the Marcos GT Xylon (Xylon being Greek for wood) which was designed by Costin to compete primarily in 750 Motor Club events and was very successful due primarily to it's very low weight achieved by it's unique wooden chassis. It also incorporated gull wing doors and a high cockpit to accomodate the taller driver, including Jem Marsh. However the Xylon's biggest claim to fame is that it gave the future three times World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart, his first race successes.

Legend has it that in 1960 Scottish racing enthusiast, Barry Filer, was having his race cars prepared by the Stewart family garage and invited Jackie to test with him at Oulton Park. As a direct result of this test Barry bought this Xylon for the '62 season which Jackie then drove for him and promptly went on to win and show it's competitiveness.The results were; April 29th Charterhall 1st in Sports Cars up tp 1600cc and 1st in GT Unlimited. 3rd place Bo'ness Hill Climb June 22nd. July 1st Charterhall was running 2nd to a Lotus 23 when a hose detached. Registered in Glasgow - 'G 128' - it's racing career continued successfully through the 1960's under the guidance of Marcos co-founder, Jem Marsh.

In total Marcos built 9 Xylons but 'G 128' was by far the most famous powered originally by a Ford pushrod engine of 1137cc.

Our vendor, who purchased the remains of Marcos Sportscars in the 1990's has had this famous Xylon tucked away in storage (along with the Mantaray also offered in this sale) since production ceased at the factory. It is therefore offered for the first time in many years and in 'barn find' condition needing a total restoration and fresh preparation for racing.

Potentially eligible for all the high profile historic events, including Goodwood, this little car offers significant Jackie Stewart history and could prove to be a fascinating and very worthwhile project.

***Stop Press*** This car has now been invited to take part in the Sir Jackie Stewart tribute parade at the 2014 Goodwood Revival.