Rest In Peace Jem Marsh. We owners will miss you!

[marcosal]

The sad news came through this morning that Jem Marsh passed away last night. Marcos owners past and present will greatly mourn his passing.

[plyspeed]

so sad news about Jem, passing away. one of the great characters of the best period, team-manager, car manufacturer and racing driver for so many decades. shurly he will chat with Frank anywhere

[Loose_Cannon]

Very sad, though he had been in declining health for some time which curtailed his boundless energy. We stayed at his B&B a few years back and had such a rollicking time listening to his stories we stayed a few days longer! One of the last of the postwar entrepreneurs, they don't make 'em like that any more. RIP Jem

[rubystone]

Sorry to hear that. He was a true eccentric. Hugely entertaining chap

[coppice]

Not a Marcos owner myself but was wondering if this had been picked up on PH; I saw the sad news on the Autosport Nostalgia forum. I was a huge admirer of Marcos in my youth in the late 60s and the 1650 and 1800 Marcos BTs were especial favourites. Good to see them still racing in Historics. Mini Marcos a common sight in my hillclimb marshal days too - I always admired JM for his left field look on all matters automotive . RIP .

[Loose_Cannon]

coppice said:

I always admired JM for his left field look on all matters automotive . RIP .

Yep, I'm not an owner either and by now probably never will be, but as a car enthusiast I appreciated his products and drive and ability to speak his mind. Even in poor health you could sense his zest for life and need for fulfillment . He didn't walk around, he prowled. "What are we going to do next then?"

[coppice]

Obituary in today's Times .

[jpf]

I was lucky to meet Jem in 1996 when I was trying to find a way to bring Marcos cars back to the US as a business.

I went to the factory (small as it was), got the tour and then asked about going for a ride in Jems' red Mantis convertible. He gave me the ride of my life and showed what a Mantis could do--to me, better than any Porsche of similar caliber. We then went golfing (average duffer like myself) had a nice dinner and many brews at the Pub. It was a memorable day.

The economics of bringing the Marcos (sans engine) to the US just weren't there.

The world needs many more people like Jem.

[B1GRLM]

JPF,

Yes it's a very sad loss, but Jem's Celebration of Life was one we could only wish for.
He'd achieved so much, and you could not build cars like he did now.

Do you have any photos of the Mantis Jem took you for a spin in?
Strange question pre camera phones I know, but I believe a friend owns this Mantis now, and it would be a nice touch.

I can't send you a message, so please send me one with a email address if possible.

[jpf]

I do have a few photos.

I'll scan a few over to you. The car that Jem drove was P21VHT--red Mantis.

[B1GRLM]

JPF,

That would be great!
Here it is in France a few years ago.

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/garyharman/167943877...

[Dodgey_Rog]

I only just found out, Chris asked me once if i fancied driving Jem down to Le Mans one year, in his Mantis, the 98 one he had, but a conflicting schedule meant I couldn't do it.

Loved listening to his stories when we did the motorshows together, RIP old fella.