Discussion
Well - time came to go down to the factory and inspect the on-going build of my TS500 and to have a final sign off test drive in the factory demonstrator.
Turning up at the factory was interesting - the industrial estate is huge and finding the right place was quite a challenge - even with Sat Nav. Eventually you come across some pre-fab buildings that wouldn't look out of place on an 2 World War airfield with all sorts of specalist engineering firms in them. Finding the Marcos place was two of these metal buildings certainly brought home that Marcos has been in the same place for 40+ years.
Once into the factory I was presented with a chassis on the 4 post lift. Not mine but the next customer's
After a good look around the chassis (noting the fully independant suspension, novel rear suspension mounting and the fact that the whole thing "looks" very rigid) I wandered across a body mounted onto the chassis without any paint and two big A4 sheets stuck on it
Yep - this one was mine. I've settled for "Lotus Azure Blue B20" as the colour, and Marcos had sprayed up a sheet of A4 to test out the colour. Absolutly stunning it looked and I can't wait to see the whole thing.
Walking around the car the shut lines were very tight for a hand made car - certainly up to the best of the composite car making industry. I was told that this car had the entire set of moulds laid up at the same time which improves things, and certainly seemed to have given the desired approach here.
Moving around to the rear it looked absolutly lovely
and I spent about 10 minutes just wandering around taking it all in.
The matching and clean shutlines can been seen here
Squatting down at the front you really get the impression of a shark staring at you
So - off to test drive the factory car in the dry (the previous test had been in the wet - pouring rain!)
Nick went first and found the drive very nice, apart from the fact that the pedals couldn't get close enough so he was comfy in the seat. No problem can back the reply - we can adjust the whole pedal box, so we'll be back in a few weeks time to have that all adjusted for us.
When I got in I found that the pedals were about right for me at half way travel - so there is certainly enough room to get it right for both me and Nick - no mean feat given the difference in leg length between us.
Firing the car up (it was running with no cats for 'development' purposes) it sounded like someone had started a LeMans racer! Such was the noise coming out of the rear - yep - there certainly is five litres of engine in there!
So - what did it drive like?
Well - absolutly spot on. I didn't manage to break traction (that'll be the LSD I was reliably informed afterwards) despite many full throttle applications around the windy back roads, and with the engine all "over" at around 6000rpm from a power point of view the gear changes got a bit frantic at full chat power application.
But that's not really the point. I'm buying this for lazy touring trips (the very useful, 2 golf club bag size (???) boot being one of the reasons for choosing this car) and as such you can just stick it in 3rd or 4th and let the wave of torque take you along.
5 litres is never going to be a "turbo nutter" car - but I have the Noble for that, so the engine is truely matched to the application
But - acceleration wise when you want it - leathal!
Handling - bit less rapid turn in than the noble - but that's a good thing, and it's compliance and complete lack of roll around corners gives you real confidence to push on and explore the limits. Quite where they are - I have no idea - but they are way past the point where you are no-longer "rapid" but probably "irresponsible" on a public highway - so the car has far more capability than is needed on HMG public highways.
Finally I stopped up and took the roof down. Quick jump out, 6 poppers, two latches and it's down - probably 20 seconds start to finish. With the windows up and the outside temp nudding just 3 degrees C all was nice and cozy inside - the aircon/heater being nice and effective and a lack a buffeting.
Niggles were
A post Wind noise with hood up - but a new window seal is being developed to stop that.
Speedo & ECU - had a few "moments" but nothing that serious that can't be sorted out.
Apart from that - none. Truely amazing - and clearly Marcos is back with avengance with a combination of power, chassis balance and looks that at £36k base price will start to give some other manufacturers something to think about.
So, final spec?
Lotus Azure Blue
Black wood interior
Royal Blue Alancantara with Black Leather
CD & Changer
LSD
Delivery will be end March / early April - I can't wait!
J
Turning up at the factory was interesting - the industrial estate is huge and finding the right place was quite a challenge - even with Sat Nav. Eventually you come across some pre-fab buildings that wouldn't look out of place on an 2 World War airfield with all sorts of specalist engineering firms in them. Finding the Marcos place was two of these metal buildings certainly brought home that Marcos has been in the same place for 40+ years.
Once into the factory I was presented with a chassis on the 4 post lift. Not mine but the next customer's
After a good look around the chassis (noting the fully independant suspension, novel rear suspension mounting and the fact that the whole thing "looks" very rigid) I wandered across a body mounted onto the chassis without any paint and two big A4 sheets stuck on it
Yep - this one was mine. I've settled for "Lotus Azure Blue B20" as the colour, and Marcos had sprayed up a sheet of A4 to test out the colour. Absolutly stunning it looked and I can't wait to see the whole thing.
Walking around the car the shut lines were very tight for a hand made car - certainly up to the best of the composite car making industry. I was told that this car had the entire set of moulds laid up at the same time which improves things, and certainly seemed to have given the desired approach here.
Moving around to the rear it looked absolutly lovely
and I spent about 10 minutes just wandering around taking it all in.
The matching and clean shutlines can been seen here
Squatting down at the front you really get the impression of a shark staring at you
So - off to test drive the factory car in the dry (the previous test had been in the wet - pouring rain!)
Nick went first and found the drive very nice, apart from the fact that the pedals couldn't get close enough so he was comfy in the seat. No problem can back the reply - we can adjust the whole pedal box, so we'll be back in a few weeks time to have that all adjusted for us.
When I got in I found that the pedals were about right for me at half way travel - so there is certainly enough room to get it right for both me and Nick - no mean feat given the difference in leg length between us.
Firing the car up (it was running with no cats for 'development' purposes) it sounded like someone had started a LeMans racer! Such was the noise coming out of the rear - yep - there certainly is five litres of engine in there!
So - what did it drive like?
Well - absolutly spot on. I didn't manage to break traction (that'll be the LSD I was reliably informed afterwards) despite many full throttle applications around the windy back roads, and with the engine all "over" at around 6000rpm from a power point of view the gear changes got a bit frantic at full chat power application.
But that's not really the point. I'm buying this for lazy touring trips (the very useful, 2 golf club bag size (???) boot being one of the reasons for choosing this car) and as such you can just stick it in 3rd or 4th and let the wave of torque take you along.
5 litres is never going to be a "turbo nutter" car - but I have the Noble for that, so the engine is truely matched to the application
But - acceleration wise when you want it - leathal!
Handling - bit less rapid turn in than the noble - but that's a good thing, and it's compliance and complete lack of roll around corners gives you real confidence to push on and explore the limits. Quite where they are - I have no idea - but they are way past the point where you are no-longer "rapid" but probably "irresponsible" on a public highway - so the car has far more capability than is needed on HMG public highways.
Finally I stopped up and took the roof down. Quick jump out, 6 poppers, two latches and it's down - probably 20 seconds start to finish. With the windows up and the outside temp nudding just 3 degrees C all was nice and cozy inside - the aircon/heater being nice and effective and a lack a buffeting.
Niggles were
A post Wind noise with hood up - but a new window seal is being developed to stop that.
Speedo & ECU - had a few "moments" but nothing that serious that can't be sorted out.
Apart from that - none. Truely amazing - and clearly Marcos is back with avengance with a combination of power, chassis balance and looks that at £36k base price will start to give some other manufacturers something to think about.
So, final spec?
Lotus Azure Blue
Black wood interior
Royal Blue Alancantara with Black Leather
CD & Changer
LSD
Delivery will be end March / early April - I can't wait!
J
Black wood interior?
Care to be more explicit?
Are you getting an ebony veneer?
Great report though, much better than 'saw the car, drove the demo, it's fast!'.
It's also very good to hear that the quality is there.
Just so long as they can maintain it, they could be onto a winner.
A few good magazine/TV reviews and they could be set.
Oh yeah, your presence has been requested here http://pub72.ezboard.com/fmarcossportscarenthusiastsfrm18.showMessage?topicID=11.topic
Care to be more explicit?
Are you getting an ebony veneer?
Great report though, much better than 'saw the car, drove the demo, it's fast!'.
It's also very good to hear that the quality is there.
Just so long as they can maintain it, they could be onto a winner.
A few good magazine/TV reviews and they could be set.
Oh yeah, your presence has been requested here http://pub72.ezboard.com/fmarcossportscarenthusiastsfrm18.showMessage?topicID=11.topic
chrisj said:Yep - something like that. It's made from trees and costs a fortune - as for exactly what it is - err - sorry - not sure
Black wood interior?
Care to be more explicit?
Are you getting an ebony veneer?
chrisj said:They are already flat out with orders so things look good - and with a significant amount of cash behind them I'm confident they have longevity.
Great report though, much better than 'saw the car, drove the demo, it's fast!'.
It's also very good to hear that the quality is there.
Just so long as they can maintain it, they could be onto a winner.
chrisj said:Over there now
Oh yeah, your presence has been requested here http://pub72.ezboard.com/fmarcossportscarenthusiastsfrm18.showMessage?topicID=11.topic
Hello Joust. 
It occurs to me that what you need is a good long trip to run the car in properly. Something like a return to trip to.... ummm.... Bergerac should do the trick.
So in view of this, I've got the spare room ready for you.
It may just need a quick sweep out before you arrive.
I've also taken the liberty of stocking up on your favourite tipple.
I understand you're partial to a good stiff one every now and again.
Errr....
drink, I mean.
That is to say, I understand you're partial to a good stiff drink.
Oh dear....
What've I said.... 
It occurs to me that what you need is a good long trip to run the car in properly. Something like a return to trip to.... ummm.... Bergerac should do the trick.
So in view of this, I've got the spare room ready for you.
It may just need a quick sweep out before you arrive.
I've also taken the liberty of stocking up on your favourite tipple.
I understand you're partial to a good stiff one every now and again.
Errr....
drink, I mean. That is to say, I understand you're partial to a good stiff drink.
Oh dear....
What've I said....
Nice one J, 
Looks nice - I absolutely love the styling of the rear - but the front is a bit "Honda S2000" for me... maybe that's a bit harsh!
Have to say that I would consider swapping the TVR for one, but the Griffith is such a classic masterpiece... tough decision.
At least I beat you on the score that I currently DO have a Noble M12 and V8-muscle in the garage... ha ha ha!
Seriously, it sounds like an impressive achievement for Marcos. Are they still a British firm?
Looks nice - I absolutely love the styling of the rear - but the front is a bit "Honda S2000" for me... maybe that's a bit harsh!
Have to say that I would consider swapping the TVR for one, but the Griffith is such a classic masterpiece... tough decision.
At least I beat you on the score that I currently DO have a Noble M12 and V8-muscle in the garage... ha ha ha!
Seriously, it sounds like an impressive achievement for Marcos. Are they still a British firm?
I love the "shark nose" effect of the front - it sold me the car.
Check out www.mole-valley.co.uk/page.php?cid=19 (first item) if you fancy a spin in one to compare against your Griff.
100% British - another reason why I bought it.
J
Check out www.mole-valley.co.uk/page.php?cid=19 (first item) if you fancy a spin in one to compare against your Griff.
100% British - another reason why I bought it.
J
Sounds excellent Joust. Got any pictures of the test vehicle?
Terry, is this venture anywhere near St Capraise D'Eymet (ten minutes south of Bergerac then turn right for 5 minutes). Had a great gite holiday there in 1996, included an absolute hoon there and back from Cherbourg as well.
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Monday 1st March 17:34
Terry, is this venture anywhere near St Capraise D'Eymet (ten minutes south of Bergerac then turn right for 5 minutes). Had a great gite holiday there in 1996, included an absolute hoon there and back from Cherbourg as well.
DAZ
>> Edited by dazren on Monday 1st March 17:34
though...Podie said:The dials aren't from a Mondeo - they are UK made by Caerbont Automotive Instuments (AKA Smiths)
I spy Mondeo clocks....
www.caigauge.com/
The rear lights are, as you say, MK1 Mondeo, but given there are so few MK1 Monedos out there that hardly matters to me and I can't think of a better shape.
Why does using one part on another facinate people so much - look at any VW, BMW or Merc and you'll find all sort of bits from one car used on another - not sure it matters does it???
J
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