1,498cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Twin SU Carburetors
85bhp
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Independent Font with Live Rear Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Wonderfully restored example
*One of just 8 cars delivered to the U.S.
*Innovative Wood and Fiberglass Bonded Chassis
*Complete with records and owner's manual

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Launched in 1960, the curiously styled yet innovative Marcos Xylon was the first product of the Jem Marsh and Frank Costin partnership. With its frog-eyed front end, four-piece windscreen and notch-back rear window, the gullwing-doored Marcos was no oil painting, yet beneath its glassfiber skin was a plywood composite chassis, the latter's monocoque construction representing advanced thinking for a competition car at a time when steel tubing was the norm in Formula 1! Ford four-cylinder engines of various capacities were used, and the gearbox likewise was sourced from Dagenham. The Volvo 1800 engine was used for the Xlylon's successor, the 1800GT, which was the first Marcos to feature the classic Dennis Adams-styled body, before the marque returned to Ford power with the outwardly similar 1500 and 1600 models. Despite its theoretical advantages, the plywood chassis was expensive to produce and was replaced by a steel spaceframe on the 3-Liter. Introduced in 1970, the latter used the Ford Essex V6 or Volvo 164 inline six engines, while there was also a (much rarer) 2.5-liter Triumph-powered variant.

According to the Marcos International Car Club, 82 of the Marcos 1500GTs left the factory with the unique wood chassis and Ford Kent Motor paring. More uniquely, just 8 of those cars arrived on U.S. shores making this example an exceptionally rare sight on our roads.

Chassis number 5134 has been treated to a complete restoration down to its wood skeleton in recent times and shows as one of the finest examples of the Marcos 1500GT extant. Beyond its structural retreatment, the mechanicals were further given a refurbishment to exceptional condition. Its black interior features clear gauges, fully intact and wear free black leather, and a wooden dash fitted with a period Becker radio. Today, the Marcos operates as it should and will provide its next owner with undoubtably thrilling drives.

Complete with invoices and documentation dating back to 1968, the Marcos will also be delivered with its original manual. A wonderfully complete and rare sports car will most certainly find a welcome home within any collection.