Discussion
Having recently got rid of the debt around my neck( TVR TUSCAN) i am trying to got info on Marcos cars, specifically Mantis. However I learn't the hard way with the Tuscan so I am after any info that anybody thinks is pertinent. ie, reliability, driver satisfaction etc. Your help will be appreciated.
I don't have any Marcos experience myself (although I have often fancied one), but what I do know is that overall they appear to be a pretty similar creature to the Chim/Griff; having Rover V8 engines and being a GRP moulding over tubular frame chassis.
I guess they posess all the joys and pitfalls that come with a handbuilt British Sportscar.
They look nice too!
>> Edited by bobfrance on Tuesday 6th January 13:39
I guess they posess all the joys and pitfalls that come with a handbuilt British Sportscar.
They look nice too!
>> Edited by bobfrance on Tuesday 6th January 13:39
meo said:
Having recently got rid of the debt around my neck( TVR TUSCAN)
Would you believe that you're not the first Tuscan owner to sell up and make the move to Marcos?
As for your questions, well bobfrance hit the nail on the head grouping them under 'handbuilt British sportscars'.
Clearly they need more care and attention than you average car.
But if they are looked after then there's no reason why they shouldn't provide trouble free motoring.
The biggest problem is likely to be the chassis. As with any steel chassis'd car you must THOROUGHLY inspect the chassis prior to any commitments.
As an example, I spent around 2 hours under my own car checking the chassis before I got my wallet out.
Beyond that, there's not much.
The engines appear to be bombproof so long as you don't supercharge them like the factory did (ie. no forged pistons, compression too high etc etc.), the interiors are hard wearing, the electrics are fine.
Probably the best thing you can do is to follow this link to the Marcos Forum, sign up and start asking questions. There's a good stock of Mantis owners on there, and they'll be only too happy to help.
Incidently, Mantis doesn't use a Rover V8, it has the 4.6 Mustang engine found in the MG SV, Invicta S1, Jensen, MG V8 saloon things, and even the motor in the back of the Koenigsegg, albeit massively modified.
http://pub72.ezboard.com/bmarcossportscarenthusiasts
Happy hunting.
>> Edited by chrisj on Tuesday 6th January 18:56
Very many thanx for your help, much appreciated. I was initially interested in the supercharged version but considering the info form you I may have to reconsider. Having made the mistake of using the Tuscan as a everyday car, the Marcos will be a weekend toy for nice days only or nice long touring holidays. Again thanx for the info.
Indeed you are not the only only one who has turned from the dark side to the light! I sold my Tuscan in the the summer after 18 months of great driving but hellish bills and warranty work. The reason? The car was just too complicated.
I went for a Marcos Mantula Spyder V8, 1991, and love it. It has the noise and presence of the TVR but doesn't break down. And when it does (I know it will) I can have it towed to any garage and they can fix it! Everything is simple, no silly "factory visits" to have a bulb replaced, any competent machanic can work on them. Which means I actually get to drive it, the Tuscan was in Blackpool for 5 months at one point!
I paid 10k for a nice car and have spent about 6k on it with another 4k to go to get it to what I want in time for Le Mans (260bhp, gorgeous and unique). It is simple and effective, there isn't much to go wrong, and at 860kg (removeable roof, not just convertable) and a projected 260bhp (genuine) it's nippy enough now and getting nippier to say the least.
In my opinion, if you've got some cash, get an LM400/LM500 rather than a Mantis. It's got that Le Mans racecar cache, tuneable Rover V8 and I think looks better. But you have to find one first. redlinesportscars.com is the place to start looking, but read through the forum first, you'll learn loads. Lots of pictures too.
Let us know how you get on and whether you'll make it to LM,
Cheers
Lewis
I went for a Marcos Mantula Spyder V8, 1991, and love it. It has the noise and presence of the TVR but doesn't break down. And when it does (I know it will) I can have it towed to any garage and they can fix it! Everything is simple, no silly "factory visits" to have a bulb replaced, any competent machanic can work on them. Which means I actually get to drive it, the Tuscan was in Blackpool for 5 months at one point!
I paid 10k for a nice car and have spent about 6k on it with another 4k to go to get it to what I want in time for Le Mans (260bhp, gorgeous and unique). It is simple and effective, there isn't much to go wrong, and at 860kg (removeable roof, not just convertable) and a projected 260bhp (genuine) it's nippy enough now and getting nippier to say the least.
In my opinion, if you've got some cash, get an LM400/LM500 rather than a Mantis. It's got that Le Mans racecar cache, tuneable Rover V8 and I think looks better. But you have to find one first. redlinesportscars.com is the place to start looking, but read through the forum first, you'll learn loads. Lots of pictures too.
Let us know how you get on and whether you'll make it to LM,
Cheers
Lewis
Thanks for the info Yeti, trying to find out if there are any Marcos car club meetings up my way(Liverpool) or even Bristol. Do they do a magazine like TVRCC, ie "SPRINT" any chance of a picture of the Mantula, sounds a beast. Didn't realise you could get them with the removable hard top roof like the Tuscan.
Try the following web-site: http://pub72.ezboard.com/bmarcossportscarenthusiasts
The events section should give details of your local MOC meet.
The events section should give details of your local MOC meet.
Oops, not a Tuscan'esque removeable hard top, just a removeable soft top, like an Elise. Instead of the big pile of black canvas hanging off the back of the car. mine rolls up and goes in the boot. Whole backend looks much neater. I also had it made in light tan with dark red trim to match the car. Looks just as good with the roof on.
Mantaras' have removeable hard tops but they don't stash in the boot, it's a hang-in-the-garage-til-winter affair.
I'm in Bath, quite a few owner's down that way, it's only a few miles from the factory and MHS who do all the repair work and keep the spares. Have a look at www.rory.uk.com to see where the work gets done.
I'm getting new wheels this month, pics will be posted after that.
Good luck, this is the right time of year to be buying. You're less likely to be swayed by sunshine and posing, getting a good fitting roof is a very big deal!
lewis
Mantaras' have removeable hard tops but they don't stash in the boot, it's a hang-in-the-garage-til-winter affair.
I'm in Bath, quite a few owner's down that way, it's only a few miles from the factory and MHS who do all the repair work and keep the spares. Have a look at www.rory.uk.com to see where the work gets done.
I'm getting new wheels this month, pics will be posted after that.
Good luck, this is the right time of year to be buying. You're less likely to be swayed by sunshine and posing, getting a good fitting roof is a very big deal!
lewis
Thought I would look over the fence from the TVR forums, to see how my other favourite, the Marcos, was going only to see you all getting out of Tivs and moving in to the Wiltshire Rockets. I'm running a Cerbera right now but also just got the body back on my Mantula after a 3 yr rebuild. It didn't take 3 yrs you understand - thats just how long it took me!
The advise on the chassis is spot on. Mine was a 1988 and the chassis under the doors was completly missing. It's now been blasted, galvanised and waxoyl treated so it will probably last longer than me. Like the Tivs, Marcos are fantastic British sports cars and look forward to re-launching mine this summer.
The advise on the chassis is spot on. Mine was a 1988 and the chassis under the doors was completly missing. It's now been blasted, galvanised and waxoyl treated so it will probably last longer than me. Like the Tivs, Marcos are fantastic British sports cars and look forward to re-launching mine this summer.
i have an LM500 (5.0 (5.0V8) . i reckon it gets a lot more attention than a TVR and is way faster. however i dont beleive they r as well built. and for example TVR interiors r way more advanced. The advantage or marcos is also their downside - they r too rare!!! so when things go wrong (which is rare but happens) noone will touch them. also if there is a prob noone has the knowledge. The only place to get parts is from marcos heritage....
Edited by moderator
Edited by moderator
no1_boyracer said:
i have an LM500 (5.0 (5.0V8) . i reckon it gets a lot more attention than a TVR and is way faster. however i dont beleive they r as well built. and for example TVR interiors r way more advanced. The advantage or marcos is also their downside - they r too rare!!! so when things go wrong (which is rare but happens) noone will touch them. also if there is a prob noone has the knowledge. The only place to get parts is from marcos heritage - but the guy who owns it is a conn man!!! he lets the name of marcos down. he wrecked my car and doesnt give a sh*t!!. if you do get a marcos - NEVER use marcos heritage spares!!!!
As I was flicking through the posts I noticed this one and thought I would have a quick read thinking it would be about the latest generation of cars. I have had experience of the people who run the Heritage Spares outfit and would say approach with caution. My dealings involved their Land Rover Operation (I won't name it) and they left me with quite a hefty bill some years ago.
As the saying goes Buyer Beware
>> Edited by alloypearltam on Friday 14th October 22:13
I've been taking mine there for 3 years and they go above and beyond the call of duty everytime due to me being out of the country so much.
It can get expensive there, but he is the only supplier of the parts.
If he wrecks your car, you wreck his reputation - it doesn't make sense for him to do that and "not give a sh*t".
Or are you a troll poster?? Genuine question...
Edited by moderator
It can get expensive there, but he is the only supplier of the parts.
If he wrecks your car, you wreck his reputation - it doesn't make sense for him to do that and "not give a sh*t".
Or are you a troll poster?? Genuine question...
Edited by moderator
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