The first public appearance of the
Mini Marcos was in the hands of Geoff Mabbs at the Castle Combe Circuit in
1965. From the back of the field Mabbs charged his way through in appalling
conditions to finish in first place in the car's first ever race. This
was just the start of an incredible journey for the ever popular Mini
Marcos.
During
1966 the Mini Marcos was introduced at Earls Court. A fibreglass-bodied car
utilising trusted Mini mechanicals, including the front wheel drive
engine/transmission unit. It sold extremely well, despite being described as
“ugly as Hell” by one correspondent. Subsequently the Mini Marcos earned its
spurs and reputation on the track, especially at Le Mans in 1966 when it was the
only British car to complete the 24-hour race. Over the years the Mini Marcos
continued to earn its place in the racing history books, it still holds four
National Land Speed Records, has twice won the Mod Sports Championship and its
latest accolade to win the 1991 Liege-Rome-Liege rally for Sports Cars beating
Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Mini Cooper and Austin Healey. The car still being
extremely popular for both race and road use throughout the world.
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The
Mini Marcos was so popular in the 60's that some cars were built under license
in both South Africa and Ireland and continued to be sold in component form in
the UK until Marcos ran into financial problems in 1972.
The
company and assets were bought by Fraternal Estates part of the Rob Walker group
of companies, and the Mini continued in production in its MK IV version, all be
it in component form in Westbury until August 1975. The Mini project was
then sold to
Harold Dermott of D & H Fibreglass Techniques. Harold continued
to produce the Mini alongside the Midas until D & H Fibreglass Techniques
was sold in 1989, and, under the terms of the agreement the moulds,
tools, jigs and production rights reverted back to Marcos in Westbury.
In
April 1991, on the 25th Anniversary of this amazing little car, the Mini
Marcos reappeared as the MK V which boasted subtle body modifications
including a front spoiler. To help meet a more competitive market other
modifications included a wider track, 13" wheels, wind up windows,
improves door locks etc....and optional extras such as a walnut dashboard
and fabric sunroof. For the first time the MK V was produced as a fully
built new car for the Japanese market, new Mini's were purchased from the
local dealer and all the parts transfered to the Marcos bodyshell.10 cars were shipped. The
MK V continued to be sold in the UK in component form until 1995 when
demand ceased.
After
a ten year gap interest in the Mini Marcos was strong enough for Marcos
Heritage to re-launch the car as the Heritage MK VI in component form
together with a competition / track day car - the MK VI GT, which is
available to this day. The Mini Marcos name was dropped due to bullyboy
tactics from BMW over the use of the name Mini.
In all over 1300 cars were produced from 1966 to
date.
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