Marcos Beginners Questions!
Discussion
Hi all. I have owned 3 TVRs in my time, and used each (S2, S3, Griff) as everyday transport, covering around 10k miles per year. Contrary to the common view, I didn't have any real reliability issues (the odd radiator, speedo sensor, fuel gauge sensor etc) in close to 100,000 miles of TVR driving, over a 10 year period. I always reckoned using the cars daily was the reason, rather than locking them away unused for 3 or 4 months per year. In addition, both the Cologne V6 and RV8 are solid engines.
Sadly, I have been TVR'less for several years now, but now in my mid 50's, I am retiring, and looking to get something interesting again, for occasional dry use only. Now I would dearly love another Griff, but prices for those in good nick are high, and a recent "Wheeler Dealers" show where they bought a Cerbera, reminded me of what a 12 year old TVR chassis looks like! So I am thinking of a Marcos as an alternative, but tbh, don't know a huge amount about them from an ownership perspective. I would be looking for a late model, V8.
So some dumb newby questions, and I apologise in advance for naivety:
1) I have read that some of the Marcos RV8 engines were difficult to get through emissions tests due to the way they were tweaked. Some of these were referred to as "Javelin" engines. So question 1, are there any particular problems with emissions tests, and if so, can they be overcome.
2) Marcos cars seem to come in a greater variety of configurations than TVR, and there is probably less knowledge around. So if I needed say, a set of brake disks, a UJ or suspension bush, where does the knowledge lie, and are there parts lists available?
3) I believe the front suspension is Mcpherson strut, which superficially seems a step backwards from the double wishbones of a TVR. On the other hand, Marcos cars did, and still do, achieve notable success on the racetrack. How does the handling compare with a TVR?
4) I recently came across a site with a scary list of Marcos safety warnings (failure of the rear chassis cross-member, front strut failure, oil pipes which fail and spray hot oil over the exhausts etc). Are these failures really likely, and have later cars been modified?
5) I like the idea of the Mustang V8, but this view may be biased by point (1) above. (I loved the 5 litre RV8 in the Griff, and I reckon they are fairly bulletproof). So any views on the relative merits of each of the V8s. (Obviously the Ford unit is more modern, more complex and more powerful, but I am interested here in ease of living with them).
6) Any other views of moving from a TVR to a Marcos?
7) How adjustable are the adjustable controls? My wife of 5ft 2" would happily drive my Griff. Would she fit a Marcos?
8) How are Chassis protected and are they a problem? (Although I would not be subjecting the car to salt and water, the car will already be circa 15 years old when I buy it!)
9) As if living with a low volume sports car isn't hard enough, a move to France is a possibility! I have no problem changing oil and brake pads myself, but for more major servicing, is there any experience of the cars over there, or any other owners in France?
Sadly, I have been TVR'less for several years now, but now in my mid 50's, I am retiring, and looking to get something interesting again, for occasional dry use only. Now I would dearly love another Griff, but prices for those in good nick are high, and a recent "Wheeler Dealers" show where they bought a Cerbera, reminded me of what a 12 year old TVR chassis looks like! So I am thinking of a Marcos as an alternative, but tbh, don't know a huge amount about them from an ownership perspective. I would be looking for a late model, V8.
So some dumb newby questions, and I apologise in advance for naivety:
1) I have read that some of the Marcos RV8 engines were difficult to get through emissions tests due to the way they were tweaked. Some of these were referred to as "Javelin" engines. So question 1, are there any particular problems with emissions tests, and if so, can they be overcome.
2) Marcos cars seem to come in a greater variety of configurations than TVR, and there is probably less knowledge around. So if I needed say, a set of brake disks, a UJ or suspension bush, where does the knowledge lie, and are there parts lists available?
3) I believe the front suspension is Mcpherson strut, which superficially seems a step backwards from the double wishbones of a TVR. On the other hand, Marcos cars did, and still do, achieve notable success on the racetrack. How does the handling compare with a TVR?
4) I recently came across a site with a scary list of Marcos safety warnings (failure of the rear chassis cross-member, front strut failure, oil pipes which fail and spray hot oil over the exhausts etc). Are these failures really likely, and have later cars been modified?
5) I like the idea of the Mustang V8, but this view may be biased by point (1) above. (I loved the 5 litre RV8 in the Griff, and I reckon they are fairly bulletproof). So any views on the relative merits of each of the V8s. (Obviously the Ford unit is more modern, more complex and more powerful, but I am interested here in ease of living with them).
6) Any other views of moving from a TVR to a Marcos?
7) How adjustable are the adjustable controls? My wife of 5ft 2" would happily drive my Griff. Would she fit a Marcos?
8) How are Chassis protected and are they a problem? (Although I would not be subjecting the car to salt and water, the car will already be circa 15 years old when I buy it!)
9) As if living with a low volume sports car isn't hard enough, a move to France is a possibility! I have no problem changing oil and brake pads myself, but for more major servicing, is there any experience of the cars over there, or any other owners in France?
Gassing Station | Marcos | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff