Here, for your review is a Marcos Mantula. Sounds like a “who” that we’re going to review, more so than a “what” but it is, in fact, a very interesting, notable British sports car. One of only 289 produced (and one of only 170 fixed-roof models) is this 1987 Marcos Mantula. It’s located in Leaskdale, Ontario, Canada, it is available here on Kijiji for $20,000 CDN. Thanks to CanuckCarGuy for this tip!
Marcos Engineering, located in Kenilworth, England, was a British sports car manufacturer that produced a variety of different models between 1959 and 2007. The Mantula, offered in both fixed roof and spyder models, saw production from 1983 until 1993. The total weight, with an aluminum alloy engine, is about 2,000 lbs – a true lightweight!
This Marcos is apart. The seller started a restoration and then stopped. As he states, “I have dismantled most of the car but I just don’t have the time to get it done.” He further states that “the body is ready to come off and the and it is a roller so easy to transport”. This Marcos will be a project for the next owner. The body panels appear to be straight and intact but it is difficult to get a thorough view or know if all of the parts are present. The seller adds that he has the necessary components to convert this Marcos to LHD.
Under the bonnet, according to the seller, is a 3.91 liter, 178 HP Rover V8 engine. Originally, Mantulas came equipped with a 3.5 liter V8 but research indicates that the 3.9-liter motor wasn’t added to the Mantula line-up until 1989 – further inquiry is warranted in the case of this example. It sounds as if this car was in running condition until the seller started the restoration – as noted earlier, he refers to it as a roller. There is a five-speed manual transmission behind the Rover V8.
The interior is an attractive contrasting blue and cream leather environment. From what can be glimpsed, the upholstery, dash, instrument panel, and carpet appear to be in fine shape. The genuine burl wood dash is a trademark British automobile styling feature and it shows itself very well – certainly a lot more refined than the contact paper style grain that was used in late ’70s/’80s domestics.
This is a well balanced looking sportscar – it has hints of different marques incorporated throughout its exterior features and the incorporation of the V8 engine makes it especially enticing. Interestingly, it possesses a Salisbury type, live differential; it actually looks like a GM ten bolt unit – not something that I would anticipate in such a car. In 1989, the Mantula was the benefactor of a Ford independent rear axle, an upgrade that probably enhances the Mantula’s road manners.
Concerns always abound when a car comes up for sale that has been partially dismantled. Why is the owner giving up mid-stream? And those concerns are more acute when the car in question is a unique, discontinued brand like a Marcos. Parts are still available from Marcos Heritage Spares but one would like to think when they purchase a car, they’re getting all of it and don’t have to rummage for missing items. At current exchange rates, this Marcos is requesting $15K U.S., that’s a lot of scratch for so much unknown, don’t you think?
This would be a nice alternative to a 78-82 corvette but not at 15k!
There appears to be more rust and corrosion on the frame than on the exhaust system. That alone would scare the Bejesus out of me, Rover Mill and 5 speed. Looking at this from the front and sides hurts this ol grey hairs’ head. Not my cup o tea but surely will appeal to someone. Brit-tish. Good luck and stay safe!
Cheers
GPC
I believe plywood was used in the bodies. You’d need to understand why the restoration was ever started.
Plywood is also used in a number of Lotus cars, that is generally not the problem. I know Marcos cars fairly well and this one has a steel frame with minimal marine ply used.
I had a friend in university that purchased one that I got to both ride and drive in and even with a cast iron V-6 ford engine it was just over 2000 pounds and was very fast. But LOW, VERY VERY LOW. I think you might have to look up to a Miata in this car. Rough road are not fun but the rest is.
Note the seats are fixed, However the pedals are on a movable track and are adjustable in ways that even the most expensive cars are not. The steering wheel is adjustable also. My friend had to sell his but later on purchased a red convertible version of this car and lives in Seattle. If you get in on Facebook they have a Marcos Owners group and you can see some photos of his there.
These are great fun to drive and are relatively simple to work on. Some of the parts are hard to get to but most of it is very straightforward. I believe the owner will get his asking price for those that know both how good and rare these are, someone will pay that easily.
I have a ’70 Marcos that I have enjoyed for several years now, they are a very unique car to say the least. Mine has the 3.0L Essex which has plenty of get up and go for such a light car so the addition of a Rover V8 would be pretty special. However, the surface corrosion as was mentioned on the underside is a concern. So $20K for a partially dismantled car that has to be fully dismantled, frame sandblasted, diff sandblasted and who knows what else for a car that’ll be worth $30-35K when done well………..
Things like this tend to be insensitive to normal valuations with there being so few around. If you want one, how long will it be until you find another, and in the end, what’s it with a few thou?, and I mean, who would really want a 1980 Corvette anyway. Values are going up, so you know you won’t lose money in the end. I could do all the work myself for maybe 2k, so sounds reasonable enough to me. If you have to pay someone to do, then maybe it is a different story. I have a 65 plywood 1800GT, and frankly, the too cool factor is worth some $$. The odds of another being around in your neck of the woods, no matter where that is, is slim and none.
Roller implies that the car is either less engine or at a minimum the engine has been removed.
Otherwise it looks like a worthy project, even with the surface corrosion.
Marco’s seem to be cars people either love or hate. Count me in the “LOVE” catagory!