In 1959, in an Industrial England in full development, two men with complementary talents united in order to create a light, fast, and radically different sports car: Jem Marshpilot, mechanic and entrepreneur, and Frank CostinAeronautical Engineer Engineer, having worked on the Royal Air Force fighter planes and on single -seaters Formula 1.
The name Marcos is a merger of their two surnames: Marsh and Costin. This appellation to Latin sound, almost exotic, is in accordance with their ambition to design sports cars with a strong character. From the start, Marcos intends to shake up conventions. Their first innovation is daring: a Wood plywood monohull frameinspired by aeronautical techniques. Light, rigid, economical to produce, this technical choice disturbs, amuses … but it works.
The beginning of glory
The Marcos GTfirst road car from the brand, released in 1964. With its low silhouette, long hood and fiberglass body (a material whose popularity explodes at that time), it does not go unnoticed. Its performance is excellent for the time, especially thanks to its featherweight. Designed as much for the road as for the track, it quickly attracts the attention of thrill seekers. The engine comes from Ford, Volvo or Triumphdepending on the versions, but it is above all the chassis that makes all the difference. The Marcos then register in the great British tradition of lightweight sportscarsin the same way as Lotus or TVR.
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In 1966, Marcos entered history with the Mini Marcosa miniature and even lighter version of the GT. This car, built on a basis of Mini Cooperis committed to 24 hours of Le Mans. Against all odds, and while many large stables abandon, the Mini Marcos crosses the finish line. It is the only British car ranked that year. The feat goes around the world. Sold in the form of a kit to assemble yourself, the small chip at the singular line was a great success.
Difficulties
Despite this emerging glory, Marcos is experiencing difficulties. Production costs are increasing, demand remains limited and competition is tough. In 1971, the company filed for bankruptcy for the first time. But Jem Marsh does not give up. True to his vision, he revived Marcos in the 1980s, first by offering kits to assemble yourself, a popular tradition in the United Kingdom, then by resuming production in small series.
In the 1990s, the brand found a certain vitality. New models are emerging: the OFFCAMANmore modern, followed by the Marcos LM500 et LM600developed for competition, especially in the GT championships. These cars renew with the brand’s sporting DNA and shine on European circuits. Their aggressive line and American V8 engine sign the return of Marcos to the landscape of alternative sports.
In 2002, Marcos attempted an ultimate upmarket with the Put gt. Designed in collaboration with Australian engineers, the car is powerful, refined and efficient. With its V8 engine of more than 400 horsepower, it competes with the Ferrari or the TVR contemporary. The market is close, artisanal production is expensive, and the brand is struggling to develop internationally. In 2007, Marcos definitively ceased his activities.
Back for good?
In 2022, the brand became the property of the English group Automotive Vision LTD which is restarting it and who is working on the construction of a new prototype. In all likelihood, it is a GT which is intended to arrive on the market in a few months. It seems that two other projects are being studied, including a racing car approved to circulate on the road. Finally, old models of the brand could be put back into production, Marcos having bought the rights and mussels of certain vehicles which have made its legend.
“Marcos is a British brand of highly appreciated sports cars. It has a remarkable story, but also a philosophy of simplicity for raw driving and focused on the driver. It is an analog experience that we do not find in major car manufacturers and the brands of supercars, and I think that today’s enthusiasts dream of it, ”said Howard Nashowner of Marcos Car Company.
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