Thoughts on the return of Marcos...
Discussion
I've been thinking about this for a while now...
What are everybodies' views on the company making this comeback?
And what are everyones feelings on the new car?
Is it just the same old product being pushed out, and if so, what's needed to kick it up the arse and make it a real TVR competitor...?
www.marcos-eng.com
What are everybodies' views on the company making this comeback?
And what are everyones feelings on the new car?
Is it just the same old product being pushed out, and if so, what's needed to kick it up the arse and make it a real TVR competitor...?
www.marcos-eng.com
The Mantis of old always appealed to me. It looked brutal and was awesomely fast.
A solicitor next door to my old office used to own one, a gorgeous piece of kit.
Marcos needs to offer something different from others on the market to survive. They will never get the build quality and refinement to Porsche levels (or even TVR levels perhaps). IMHO their only option is to go the other way and produce the most flamboyant and brutal machines they can.
The distinctive Marcos styling should be retained, the new model seems to lack the flair that characterised the finest models.
If I were in the position to buy a chim or a griff I would give some serious thought to a supercharged Mantis instead.
All IMHO of course.
A solicitor next door to my old office used to own one, a gorgeous piece of kit.
Marcos needs to offer something different from others on the market to survive. They will never get the build quality and refinement to Porsche levels (or even TVR levels perhaps). IMHO their only option is to go the other way and produce the most flamboyant and brutal machines they can.
The distinctive Marcos styling should be retained, the new model seems to lack the flair that characterised the finest models.
If I were in the position to buy a chim or a griff I would give some serious thought to a supercharged Mantis instead.
All IMHO of course.
I haven't seen the new TS250 in the flesh yet, just photos.
It looks like a nice enough car, but compared to the Mantis and even the Mantaray, it's a bit too tame.
I think the biggest hurdle the car has to overcome is the price of second hand Marcoses.
I've seen a couple of supercharged Mantis' with very few miles on the clock for about the same money as the new car.
I wish them every success, but I'll stick with my Mantula for the time being.
It looks like a nice enough car, but compared to the Mantis and even the Mantaray, it's a bit too tame.
I think the biggest hurdle the car has to overcome is the price of second hand Marcoses.
I've seen a couple of supercharged Mantis' with very few miles on the clock for about the same money as the new car.
I wish them every success, but I'll stick with my Mantula for the time being.
Fight fight fight...... 
Podie, there are a lot of kits on the market which produce a car such as you suggest however not many of them seem to be usable every day, practical or pretty.
Most are 7 ish or 60's throw backs. Exception probably Quantum. I totally agree with your sentiments, however who is going to buy/build a kit which will have a poor resale value and be difficult to sell when they can buy a MX5 or similar for £4k. Oft thought about a convertible replacement for the Chimaera, with the strength & reliability of a mass produced car, economy of an Elise but with a bit of character as well. Oh and it must be cheap to purchase, insure and maintain.
Yeh I know I want the earth but any ideas.
Most are 7 ish or 60's throw backs. Exception probably Quantum. I totally agree with your sentiments, however who is going to buy/build a kit which will have a poor resale value and be difficult to sell when they can buy a MX5 or similar for £4k. Oft thought about a convertible replacement for the Chimaera, with the strength & reliability of a mass produced car, economy of an Elise but with a bit of character as well. Oh and it must be cheap to purchase, insure and maintain.
Yeh I know I want the earth but any ideas.
Since the Elise came out, every sports car manufacturer and their dog have been trying to out-innovate it. What I think the market needs is a 2+2 with an engine of around 2.0 - 2.5 litres in turbo-four or V6 configuration. The market's been empty since the Lotus Excel and Porsche 968 bowed out. With the exception of some pretty uninspiring Japanese saloon-based offerings, I think the market could use a British contender with an air of exclusivity. With an affordable price and an accessible parts bin it'll sell like hot cakes as well.
I've driven the TS250 and wasn't impressed - it was far too slow. In their good years Marcos were known for aggressive, balls-out sports cars with loads of grunt. Apparently they are trying to attract more female buyers with the TS250; don't think they have sold a car yet. For the price of a TS250 you could buy a good second hand Mantis or LM (if you can find one) and still have about 5 grand in your pocket.
Sorry Jem, but you've got it wrong this time (IMHO). They should stick to the niche market where people aren't bothered about praticality - I couldn't give a monkeys if I cant get my golf clubs in the boot.
Sorry Jem, but you've got it wrong this time (IMHO). They should stick to the niche market where people aren't bothered about praticality - I couldn't give a monkeys if I cant get my golf clubs in the boot.
Is it me, I haven't even seen the TS250.
Balls out spoprts cars like the Mini Marcos.
When I was a lad and drove me Clan Crusader we went down to the Marcos OC do at Donington. Overawed by the Marcos then. They were svelte, stylish, fast,gobsmackin'.
Over the years they have simply become more agressive looking, with loads of add on bits. (IMO)
Balls out spoprts cars like the Mini Marcos.
When I was a lad and drove me Clan Crusader we went down to the Marcos OC do at Donington. Overawed by the Marcos then. They were svelte, stylish, fast,gobsmackin'.
Over the years they have simply become more agressive looking, with loads of add on bits. (IMO)
very pretty ... quite a classy look, if that's what you like ... more Jag/AM than TVR. Pity about their website. Their descrption of the car makes you cringe:
"the TS250 shines with its own pizzazz "
"the heart and soul of the car are upheld by the suspension"
"as well as representing what future Marcoses might originate from."
If they're trying to sell a classy product, how about losing the second hand car salesman spiel?
What's the asking price?
"the TS250 shines with its own pizzazz "
"the heart and soul of the car are upheld by the suspension"
"as well as representing what future Marcoses might originate from."
If they're trying to sell a classy product, how about losing the second hand car salesman spiel?
What's the asking price?
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