1999 Marcos Mantaray

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

Various changes of ownership and physical location took place over the ensuing decades and various models came and went, all known for their combination of simplicity and high performance. In the late 1990's their mainstream product was the 'Mantis' which was offered with a potent Rover V8 engine, similar to the TVR's of the day. This model eventually 'morphed' in to the much improved and prettier 'Mantaray'.

This particular car is a Marcos Mantaray and is only of only 17 built in total and one of just 11 built with the 4.0 litre Rover V8 engine.

It has covered just 11,000 miles from new with just 2 owners and retains a UK V5 registration document and has just had a 12 MOT certificate granted, along with 2 new rear tyres fitted. Finished in the unusual colour of purple it has stood the test of time well ~ not least because it had the steel chassis galvanised when built, unlike some of the original cars. It starts well today and sounds eager to perform and offers an excellent driving position, particularly for the taller driver. With so few built (and even less surviving), its a rare and special car with an excellent provenance coming straight from a one time owner of the factory. A fun, still quick and smart convertible for the summer that is now highly collectable.