Morris Marina 1.8 (1974)

[docevi1]

Hi.
I'm thinking about purchasing a Marlin which is built on a 1974 (ish) Marina (all depends on the price)

I'm a complete novice when it comes to engines (able to do a simple service and stuff) so are these engines reasonably reliable and are they easy enough to work on?

I know that the engine has been recently rebuilt, bored out (well rebored to make smooth not bigger), converted to Unleaded and have new pistons... installed. I also know that the clutch is reasonably new and that most of the car is in decent working order. Since the rebuild it has been to South of France and back and been driven around since.

It does have it's problems and breaks down occasionaly (as one would expect for a 30year old car) but could someone like me fix it with a little assistance from a reasonably knowledgeable dad?

Cheers.

Stefan

[deltaf]

Of course you could. If its based on a Marina and has the same engine, mechanicals etc, then yes id say its well within the abilities of an "enthusiastic" owner!
I used to own a Marina Van years ago, but dont let on to anyone else, im trying to forget it!

[GavinPearson]

It uses the B series engine which has a whole load of tuning components available for it. Contact www.moss-europe.co.uk/ for tuning parts.

If it's at the right price go for it if you like the style of the car.

[docevi1]

It all depends on the price as I said, don't want to get into a family freud over it

Cheers for the advice, just as I thought but nice to hear.

Thanks again.

Stefan
and how many thanks can I get in one message. I really should proof read!

>> Edited by docevi1 on Tuesday 19th August 13:24

[jvaughan]

Marina 1800 TC .. what a car .. built like a tank and didnt arf go !!!

[MR2Mike]

jvaughan said:

Marina 1800 TC .. what a car .. built like a tank and didnt arf go !!!

Unless you were unfortunate enough to encounter a bend...

[docevi1]

this has Mini Suspension parts and what-not (I'm cursing because he told me but I've forgotton). It does however corner nicely and has very little body roll:



Looks quite nice as well

Stefan

>> Edited by docevi1 on Wednesday 20th August 11:14

[jvaughan]

docevi1 said:

this has Mini Suspension parts and what-not (I'm cursing because he told me but I've forgotton). It does however corner nicely and has very little body roll: Looks quite nice as well Stefan >> Edited by docevi1 on Wednesday 20th August 11:14

Went to the Marlin factory years ago when it was in plymouth. wasnt really into cars at that point, i think their build quality has also improoved some what

[docevi1]

I thought this was a kit that someone had built not a factory jobie

They were apparently bought over by another company in the early 90's are made more than just the one car (above), have you seen the 5exi, very tasty.

Stefan

[Mr2Mike]

docevi1 said:

I thought this was a kit that someone had built not a factory jobie They were apparently bought over by another company in the early 90's are made more than just the one car (above), have you seen the 5exi, very tasty. Stefan

It almost certainly is a kit that someone has built, but I think that Marlin offered turnkey cars back then, they certainly do now.

My g/f saw a picture of the 5EXI and vowed she is going to buy one next year...I'd better finish the Locost ASAP! However, not overly impressed by the pictures of the prototype, they are blatantly photoshopped.

[docevi1]

ya, not even photo-shopped that well either Still, looks very nice. From the document files it suggests it is only going to cost around £8k to build one yourself, 18k for them to build it

Hmm, I think I'll stick to the blue one if I can afford it I wish they would make their mind up! I won't be able to drive it before too long (winter will set in and it's soft-top!)

Stefan

[docevi1]

ack, my sister was talking before and it appears if they need top money for it so it's out of my league. Completly

I hate been a "poor" (read careful with money) student. Thanks for the help tho.

Stefan