Does anyone know this one..

[simonrockman]

http://www.classiccarclub.co.uk/carpages/marcos_mantaray.asp

It's new on their fleet and I've mailed asking for it in the next week or so.

Simon

[cazzer]

That one specifically or info on the model?

[simonrockman]

With so few built there isn't much distinction, but either.
Turns out it's booked :-(

Simon

[lanciachris]

I remember trying on one of the mantaras (not a mantaray) when I was looking at buying a marcos - since postponed till I can afford a decent v6. It was the shortest trial ever. Sat in it - uncomfortable position. Knowing theres no seat adjustment asked how you adjust the pedals. Answer 'you cant' - ok, thats me done then

The relevance of this to this thread is, make sure it has adjustable pedals first

[Podie]

seriously tempted by a Marcos still... seen a few interesting ones crop up of late and could be tempted to chop in the Chimaera (nowt wrong with it)...

[simonrockman]

It's got an electric pedal adjust. The last one I drove it was a heavy manual thing to turn.

Simon

[Jack LM]

lanciachris said:

I remember trying on one of the mantaras (not a mantaray) when I was looking at buying a marcos. It was the shortest trial ever. Sat in it - uncomfortable position. Knowing theres no seat adjustment asked how you adjust the pedals. Answer 'you cant' - ok, thats me done then The relevance of this to this thread is, make sure it has adjustable pedals first

Curious, Marcos do have adjustible pedals. Originally mechanical but from the Mantara to the TS500 (Mantara, LeMans, Mantaray, Mantis & TS500) all have electric pedals (the seat stays put and the pedal box is moved back and forth) from mid 90's adjustible steering column too. The switch is hidden under the dash so the person showing you the car must not have known it was there, the cigarette lighter is similarly hidden and many owners don't know they have one! The TSO has returned to the more conventional fixed pedals and a movable seat.

Marcos do have a rather reclined driving position which can sometimes take a little of getting used to. Every car was made to measure for the original owner so every Marcos is slightly different. If one isn't comfortable, try another, you'll know when it's right... and then it's soooo right! I have a LeMans which is so comfortable you don't get in, you put it on! However, another I tried just didn't feel right. Also, these cars are hand made so if the seat is the only issue go see the gurus at Marcos Heritage www.rory.uk.com/

Anyone looking for a Marcos should consider visiting Jeremy Kearnes at Redline Sports Car www.redlinesportscars.com/marcosused.htm he seems to sell most of the cars that change hands and so always has a good selection available.

Alternatively, there is a club event at the Heritage Motor Center at Gaydon on July 24th 2005 where there should be a good turnout of cars.

[lanciachris]

It was Jeremy showing me the car so I think he knew the owner must have not put it in when they were building it - to be fair it wasnt the nicest example ever - still had lots of flash lines from moulding etc.

[cazzer]

Oooo...i saw that one...it was narsty.

[Jack LM]

lanciachris said:

It was Jeremy showing me the car so I think he knew the owner must have not put it in when they were building it - to be fair it wasnt the nicest example ever - still had lots of flash lines from moulding etc.

Oh dear... there were a couple of Mantaras that were built as kits before all production changed to factory build! Sorry to hear you chanced on a bad one but please don't let that discourage you from a Marcos.

There are some great cars available at the moment and they are holding their price well, in 2 years of ownership mine has gone up in value and it's not even 10 years old yet!