Marcos GT (1960 – 1964) Review

So-called, because Jem Marsh and Frank Costin had co-formed the company during the 1950s, Marcos built specials that were based on an unusual marine-ply wooden chassis. The first Marcos off the line was the odd-looking GT. It was innovative and looked very different to the opposition thanks to its long nose and pod-like cabin. The Gullwing coupe soon picked up the nicknamed, the 'Wooden Wonder'. Featuring a wooden monocoque construction and a glassfibre nosecone. The rest of the body was shaped exclusively from specially formed ply, and it was exceptionally aerodynamic.

The front suspension was borrowed from the Triumph Herald, and a Ford live axle, located by a Panhard rod was at the back. Power came from Ford's 105E engines, in a variety of forms. While proving very successful on the track in the hands of drivers like Jackie Stewart, the GT's challenging styling resulted in slow sales. Indeed, in its four-year production, and despite a makeover by Dennis Adams to make it look less unattractive and increase the use of glass fibre instead of wood, only 39 cars were ever sold. However, the story of the GT ends well because today, due to its rarity, existing examples command very high prices.