Marcos 1500 GT (1966-67)
Overview: The **Marcos 1500 GT**, launched in **1966**, was a pivotal model for **Marcos Engineering Ltd**. It was introduced primarily to **reduce production costs** and streamline manufacturing after the **diminishing sales** of the Marcos 1800. By incorporating **Ford’s 1500 GT engine**, the company was able to offer a **lighter, more affordable** alternative while maintaining performance.
One of the most significant changes was the **simplified wooden chassis**, which cut production time and costs. The **elliptical torsion boxes** replaced the **triangular chassis design** of the 1800, and the **front subframe** was redesigned for efficiency. Additionally, the **independent rear suspension** was dropped in favor of a **live axle**, further reducing complexity.
Despite these cost-saving measures, the **Marcos 1500 GT retained the sleek body style** of its predecessor, making it a **popular choice** among enthusiasts. However, fewer than **100 units** were produced between **1966 and 1967**, making it a **rare and sought-after model** today.
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Production Total: The **Marcos 1500 GT** had a **production total of under 100 units** between **1966 and 1967**. This makes it a **rare and sought-after model** among classic car enthusiasts today.
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Price New: The **Marcos 1500 GT** was priced at **£1,195** when new in the UK in **1966**. This made it a more affordable alternative to the **Marcos 1800**, which had a higher production cost.
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Target Age Group: The **Marcos 1500 GT** was primarily targeted at **young driving enthusiasts** and **sports car lovers** in the **1960s**. It appealed to those who wanted a **lightweight, stylish, and affordable** performance car with a **distinctive design**. Given its **low-slung driving position** and **manual transmission**, it was best suited for **experienced drivers** who appreciated **precision handling** and **sporty performance**.
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Sales: The **Marcos 1500 GT** was a **moderate success**, but it didn't achieve **high sales numbers**. It was introduced in **1966** as a cost-effective alternative to the **Marcos 1800**, with a **lighter chassis** and a **Ford 1500 GT engine**. However, fewer than **100 units** were produced between **1966 and 1967**, making it a **rare model** today.
While it was well-received by enthusiasts, its **limited production run** meant it didn't have a major commercial impact. Marcos later introduced the **1650 model** in **1967**, which offered **more power** but still remained a niche vehicle.
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Rivals: In **1966 UK**, the **Marcos 1500 GT** faced competition from several sports cars, each with varying price points:
- **Lotus Elan S2** – **£1,395**
- **Triumph TR4A** – **£1,050**
- **MG B GT** – **£998**
- **Austin-Healey Sprite MkIII** – **£695**
- **TVR Griffith 200** – **£1,750**
The **Marcos 1500 GT**, priced at **£1,195**, positioned itself between the **MG B GT** and the **Lotus Elan S2**, offering a unique wooden chassis and lightweight design.
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Recorded in UK 2025
There isn't a publicly available record of exactly how many **Marcos 1500 GT** cars remain in the UK in **2025**, but they are considered **rare**. Given that fewer than **100 units** were originally produced, the number still in existence is likely **very low**.
You might find more details through the **Marcos Owners Club** [here](https://marcos-oc.com/home/) or by checking classic car registries in the UK [here](https://car-from-uk.com/country/uk/motors/marcos/).
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The **Marcos 1500 GT** had a few common faults, mostly related to its **wooden chassis** and **fiberglass body**:
- **Wooden Chassis Issues** – The bonded plywood chassis was lightweight but could suffer from **moisture damage**, leading to **delamination** or **rot** if not properly maintained.
- **Fiberglass Body Cracks** – Stress fractures could develop in the fiberglass, especially around **door hinges** and **suspension mounting points**.
- **Electrical Problems** – Like many British sports cars of the era, the wiring could be **unreliable**, leading to **intermittent faults** in lighting and instrumentation.
- **Cooling System Weaknesses** – The **Ford 1500 GT engine** could experience **overheating**, particularly in **hot weather** or **heavy traffic**, due to **insufficient airflow**.
- **Suspension Wear** – The **live rear axle** setup was simple but could suffer from **bushing wear**, affecting handling and ride quality.
Proper maintenance and restoration can address most of these issues.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Marcos 1500 GT** was part of the broader **Marcos GT series**, which evolved through several generations and trim levels:
**Generations**
1. **Marcos 1800 GT (1964–1966)** – The original model with a **wooden chassis** and a **Volvo B18 engine**.
2. **Marcos 1500 GT (1966–1967)** – Introduced as a **cost-effective alternative**, featuring a **Ford 1500 GT engine**.
3. **Marcos 1650 GT (1967)** – A **bored-out 1500 engine**, producing **120 bhp**, but was short-lived due to reliability concerns.
4. **Marcos 1600 GT (1967–1972)** – Featured the **Ford 1600 Crossflow engine**, improving performance and reliability.
5. **Marcos 3-Litre GT (1969–1972)** – Introduced a **steel chassis** and a **Ford Essex V6 engine**, marking a shift from the wooden chassis.
6. **Marcos Mantula (1983–1990)** – A modernized version with a **Rover V8 engine**.
7. **Marcos LM series (1990s–2000s)** – High-performance models, including the **LM500 and LM600**, designed for racing.
**Trim Levels**
The Marcos GT models were mostly **custom-built**, meaning trim levels were not standardized like modern cars. However, variations included:
- **Standard GT models** – Basic versions with factory-spec engines.
- **Race-prepared versions** – Some models were tuned for **motorsport**, featuring **lightweight components** and **performance upgrades**.
- **Special editions** – Limited-run models with **unique styling** or **engine modifications**.
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Engine
The **Marcos 1500 GT** was powered by a **1.5L Ford Kent inline-four engine**, which was a reliable and widely used unit in British sports cars of the era. Here are its key specifications:
- **Engine Type:** 1.5L Ford Kent I4
- **Fuel System:** Twin SU carburetors
- **Aspiration:** Naturally aspirated
- **Horsepower:** Approximately **85 hp**
- **Torque:** Around **100 lb-ft**
- **Transmission:** **4-speed manual**
- **Drivetrain:** **Rear-wheel drive (RWD)**
This engine provided **lively performance** in the lightweight Marcos chassis, making it a fun and engaging car to drive. *****
Performance
The **Marcos 1500 GT** delivered **lively performance** thanks to its **lightweight construction** and **Ford 1500 GT engine**. Here are its key performance specs:
- **Top Speed:** ~105 mph (169 km/h)
- **0-60 mph Acceleration:** ~10.5 seconds
- **Power Output:** ~85 hp
- **Weight:** ~820 kg (1,800 lbs)
- **Drivetrain:** Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- **Transmission:** 4-speed manual
Its **low-slung design** and **wooden chassis** contributed to **sharp handling**, making it a **fun and engaging** sports car.
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Rivals
Here’s how the **Marcos 1500 GT** stacked up against some of its main rivals in terms of performance:
- **Lotus Elan S2** – **Top Speed:** ~115 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~8.5 sec | **Power:** ~105 hp
- **Triumph TR4A** – **Top Speed:** ~110 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~9.5 sec | **Power:** ~104 hp
- **MG B GT** – **Top Speed:** ~105 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~11.0 sec | **Power:** ~95 hp
- **Austin-Healey Sprite MkIII** – **Top Speed:** ~95 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~13.5 sec | **Power:** ~65 hp
- **TVR Griffith 200** – **Top Speed:** ~140 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~5.5 sec | **Power:** ~271 hp
The **Marcos 1500 GT**, with its **85 hp**, **105 mph top speed**, and **0-60 mph time of ~10.5 sec**, positioned itself between the **MG B GT** and **Triumph TR4A** in terms of performance. It was lighter than most of its competitors, giving it **sharp handling** despite its modest power output.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Marcos 1500 GT** was designed by **Dennis and Peter Adams**, who were responsible for its **sleek, low-slung coupe styling**. It retained the distinctive **fiberglass body** and **wooden chassis** that Marcos was known for.
**Dimensions**
- **Wheelbase:** **89.5 in** (2,273 mm)
- **Length:** **160.25 in** (4,070 mm)
- **Width:** **62.5 in** (1,588 mm)
- **Height:** **42.5 in** (1,080 mm)
- **Curb Weight:** ~**820 kg** (1,800 lbs)
Its **compact size and lightweight construction** contributed to its **sharp handling** and **agile performance**.
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can find **Marcos 1500 GT** spares in the UK and Ireland through specialized suppliers. Here are a few sources:
- **[Marcos Heritage Spares](https://www.marcosheritage.com/parts)** – The official supplier of genuine Marcos parts, using original moulds and patterns. They offer a wide range of components for all Marcos models.
- **[Final Parts List - Marcos Heritage](https://www.marcosheritage.com/final-parts-list-all-2)** – A detailed catalog of available parts, including badges, seals, brake components, and more.
- **[MEV Spares](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Marcos-Car-Parts-All-Models/)** – A supplier of classic Marcos car parts, including clutch, brakes, suspension, and electrical components.
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While Marcos-specific garages are rare, you can find **classic car specialists** in Northern Ireland who may be able to service a **Marcos 1500 GT**. Here are a few options:
- **[Marcos Heritage](https://www.marcosheritage.com/services)** – The official Marcos service provider, offering **routine servicing, MOT prep, suspension tuning, and accident repairs**. They specialize in **Marcos models from 1959 onward**.
- **[Honest John’s Good Garage Guide](https://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/northern-ireland)** – A directory of **highly rated garages** in Northern Ireland, including those experienced with **classic and performance cars**.
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Racing
The **Marcos 1500 GT** was used in **club racing** and **historic motorsport events**, though it wasn’t as widely raced as some of its larger-engined siblings like the **Marcos 1800 GT**. Marcos cars were known for their **lightweight construction**, making them competitive in **modsports racing** during the **1960s and 1970s**.
While the **Marcos 1500 GT** itself wasn’t a dominant force in professional racing, Marcos as a brand had strong motorsport pedigree, with drivers like **Jackie Stewart** and **Derek Bell** gaining early experience in Marcos cars. The company later developed models like the **LM600**, which competed in the **1995 Le Mans 24-hour race**.
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Valuation
In **2025**, a **Marcos 1500 GT** in the UK is valued at around **£21,995**, based on recent listings. Prices can vary depending on **condition, originality, and mileage**. Well-preserved examples or restored models may fetch **higher prices**, while project cars could be available for less.
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Clubs
There doesn’t seem to be a **specific Marcos owner club** in **Northern Ireland**, but you might find classic car clubs that welcome Marcos enthusiasts. The **Marcos Owners Club** is the main organization for Marcos cars, offering events, resources, and a community for owners across the UK. Additionally, **MarcosCars.net** lists various Marcos-related clubs that might have connections in Northern Ireland.
If you're looking for Marcos-specific events or restoration projects, reaching out to UK-based classic car clubs could be a good option.
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HISTORY
The **Marcos 1500 GT**, launched in **1966**, was a crucial model for **Marcos Engineering Ltd**. It was introduced as a **cost-effective alternative** to the **Marcos 1800**, which had become expensive to produce. By incorporating **Ford’s 1500 GT engine**, Marcos streamlined manufacturing while maintaining performance.
### **Development & Design**
- The **wooden chassis** was simplified to **reduce costs** and **speed up production**.
- The **elliptical torsion boxes** replaced the **triangular chassis design** of the 1800.
- The **front subframe** was redesigned using **square tubing** instead of round.
- The **independent rear suspension** was dropped in favor of a **live axle**, making it more affordable.
### **Production & Legacy**
- Fewer than **100 units** were built at **Greenland Mills** between **1966 and 1967**.
- The **Marcos 1650 GT**, introduced in **1967**, was a **bored-out version** of the 1500, producing **120 bhp**.
- The **Marcos GT series** continued evolving, eventually leading to models like the **Marcos Mantula** and **LM600**, which competed in **Le Mans**.
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