Any Marlin fans??
Discussion
. 
I think that the original Roadster is a super looking car, one of the nicest looking ever built.
Not surprising really, given that it was inspired by the Alfa Romeo Monza.
I've had both Westie and Caterham and currently drive an Esprit, but I still hanker after a Marlin Roadster.
They're old enough to get Classic insurance on an early one.
Unfortunately, I've never driven one, so can't comment on the dynamics.
Cheers
Pat.
Not surprising really, given that it was inspired by the Alfa Romeo Monza.
I've had both Westie and Caterham and currently drive an Esprit, but I still hanker after a Marlin Roadster.
They're old enough to get Classic insurance on an early one.
Unfortunately, I've never driven one, so can't comment on the dynamics.
Cheers
Pat.
5Exi, just add another sticker that says 'Not the driver, the car of course' or '5Exi passengers only'
Not so sure it's that sexy in purple and green though. Did you see it at Donnington?
Anyone got one of the first batch? Would love to hear from you, as I'm serviously considering one.
Not so sure it's that sexy in purple and green though. Did you see it at Donnington?
Anyone got one of the first batch? Would love to hear from you, as I'm serviously considering one.
Just to say that I got a ride in the new 5exi two weeks ago when I called into their repair workshops as it was going out on test (lucky timing eh!!!).
Err it was a bit quick - had the 2 litre turbo motor.
But it was the ride that impressed me. I know Mark is still finalising a few development bits and pieces, - which ones I do not know.
The car felt so solid and even comfortable. The handling was positive and precise, with no wander or vagueness. I had expected it to feel a bit - what shall I say, flimsy or lightweight, but it was so solid. Felt a lot better a ride (comfortwise) than My curent Rover Cabriolet, yet handled better too.
The colours - well apparently the purple and green is for the race track. I personally liked the first black prototype.
I do live fairly nearby and am considering calling in again - soon. To try and actually get a drive next time - well you never know!
Err it was a bit quick - had the 2 litre turbo motor.
But it was the ride that impressed me. I know Mark is still finalising a few development bits and pieces, - which ones I do not know.
The car felt so solid and even comfortable. The handling was positive and precise, with no wander or vagueness. I had expected it to feel a bit - what shall I say, flimsy or lightweight, but it was so solid. Felt a lot better a ride (comfortwise) than My curent Rover Cabriolet, yet handled better too.
The colours - well apparently the purple and green is for the race track. I personally liked the first black prototype.
I do live fairly nearby and am considering calling in again - soon. To try and actually get a drive next time - well you never know!
I've had mine a month (Roadster 1800TC) or so now and here's what I think:
The engine is great, a nice match to the weight of the car (mines the 1800TC), the noise is a little overbearing at times, even making the very noisy and rattly ZX Diesel I sometimes drive seem quiet. She pulls nicely and while not screams (well does) along the road she certainly isn't slow.
The handling, well, I'm just not too sure. There seems to be oodles of grip (lots of lateral G's pulled) but then it does feel floaty light sometimes and in the wet, forget it. It might just be me completely new to the rear-wheel drive joby but it doesn't feel that great. The steering is however positive, with plenty of feedback, and when I get the chance (read guts) I guess controlled oversteer will be easy to enough to do.
The brakes are fantastic due to lower kerb weight.
Seats are comfy if not a little hard.
Space is a premium, don't buy one if you want something remotely practical, the Roadster just plain isn't. The roof bars take up lots of room, and the roof fabric itself removes any potential storage in the boot.
The built quality (of mine) is superb, everything clicking together well, things are relatively easy to get to, although the cramped cabin does lead to some problems.
Reliability? Well, it is a 1974 Marina, in a month I've got a bust bulb and a blown manifold gasket, nothing too major tho.
Would I recommend it to someone else? in seconds - I personally bought it to play on an old car, and this is a really easy car to learn on. I love it.
The engine is great, a nice match to the weight of the car (mines the 1800TC), the noise is a little overbearing at times, even making the very noisy and rattly ZX Diesel I sometimes drive seem quiet. She pulls nicely and while not screams (well does) along the road she certainly isn't slow.
The handling, well, I'm just not too sure. There seems to be oodles of grip (lots of lateral G's pulled) but then it does feel floaty light sometimes and in the wet, forget it. It might just be me completely new to the rear-wheel drive joby but it doesn't feel that great. The steering is however positive, with plenty of feedback, and when I get the chance (read guts) I guess controlled oversteer will be easy to enough to do.
The brakes are fantastic due to lower kerb weight.
Seats are comfy if not a little hard.
Space is a premium, don't buy one if you want something remotely practical, the Roadster just plain isn't. The roof bars take up lots of room, and the roof fabric itself removes any potential storage in the boot.
The built quality (of mine) is superb, everything clicking together well, things are relatively easy to get to, although the cramped cabin does lead to some problems.
Reliability? Well, it is a 1974 Marina, in a month I've got a bust bulb and a blown manifold gasket, nothing too major tho.
Would I recommend it to someone else? in seconds - I personally bought it to play on an old car, and this is a really easy car to learn on. I love it.
Have just updated madabout with the marlin owners club new website address
Address is
www.marlinownersclub.com
Always fancied the Berlinetta myself - class
John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
Address is
www.marlinownersclub.com
Always fancied the Berlinetta myself - class
John
www.madabout-kitcars.com
I've had a passenger ride and agree with just about everything DirtyBiker said.
So much so (as I think everyone knows now) I've ordered one. Feb delivery. When's Christmas over then?
A bit dissapointed on the price. Not that I don't think it's good value (compared to similar cars anyway), but because they have an offer on at the Exeter show where you can get it another £500 cheaper.
Not sure that's fair.
In fact I could cancel my order (I lose £20-40 of my deposit) then re-order it at the show. 'em now there's a thought.
So much so (as I think everyone knows now) I've ordered one. Feb delivery. When's Christmas over then?
A bit dissapointed on the price. Not that I don't think it's good value (compared to similar cars anyway), but because they have an offer on at the Exeter show where you can get it another £500 cheaper.
Not sure that's fair.
In fact I could cancel my order (I lose £20-40 of my deposit) then re-order it at the show. 'em now there's a thought.
Ex-Biker said:
A bit dissapointed on the price. Not that I don't think it's good value (compared to similar cars anyway), but because they have an offer on at the Exeter show where you can get it another £500 cheaper.
Hmmm, I'd be a bit miffed at that.
Ex-Biker said:
In fact I could cancel my order (I lose £20-40 of my deposit) then re-order it at the show. 'em now there's a thought.
You could, but I'm sure if you cancelled one day, then re-ordered the next (or a week later) I'm sure you'd be shoved to the back of the queue, and you'd have to wait even longer....
Having said that, you could cancel, then call a week later to see if there are any "cancelled orders" that you would be prepared to take on at a discount price
Gassing Station | Kit Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff