Marcos MantaRay (1997-99)
Overview: The **Marcos Mantaray**, introduced in **1997**, was a significant model for Marcos as it marked a shift toward **softer, more modern styling** while retaining the company's **lightweight sports car philosophy**. It was based on the **Marcos Mantara**, but featured a **re-styled bonnet and rear end**, giving it a more conventional look.
**Key Significance**
- **Modernized Marcos Design** – The Mantaray introduced **smoother lines**, moving away from the more angular styling of earlier Marcos models.
- **Engine Variety** – It was available with **Rover V8 engines** (4.0L and 4.6L) and **2.0L Rover Tomcat engines**, including a **turbocharged variant**.
- **Limited Production** – Only **26 units** were built between **1997 and 1999**, making it a **rare collector’s car**.
- **Final Marcos Evolution Before Bankruptcy** – The Mantaray was one of the last models produced before Marcos faced financial difficulties, leading to its closure in **2000**.
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Generations/Trim Levels
The **Marcos Mantaray** was a **single-generation** model produced between **1997 and 1999**, based on the **Marcos Mantara**. It featured a **re-styled bonnet and rear end**, giving it a more conventional look while retaining Marcos' signature **lightweight sports car philosophy**.
**Trim Levels & Engine Options**
The Mantaray was available with multiple engine choices:
- **2.0L Rover Tomcat (Naturally Aspirated)**
- **2.0L Rover Tomcat (Turbocharged)**
- **4.0L Rover V8**
- **4.6L Rover V8** (Most powerful variant, producing ~324 hp)
Only **26 units** were built, making it a **rare collector’s car**.
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Engine/s
The **Marcos Mantaray** was available with multiple engine options, including **Rover V8** and **Rover Tomcat** engines. Here are the key specifications:
**Engine Options**
- **2.0L Rover Tomcat (Naturally Aspirated)** – Compact and efficient, suited for a lighter driving experience.
- **2.0L Rover Tomcat (Turbocharged)** – Offered increased power and responsiveness.
- **4.0L Rover V8** – A naturally aspirated **V8**, delivering strong performance.
- **4.6L Rover V8** – The most powerful variant, producing **324 hp**.
**Performance Specs**
- **Horsepower:** Ranged from **190 hp** (3.9L V8) to **324 hp** (4.6L V8).
- **Torque:** ~319 Nm (235 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm.
- **Aspiration:** Naturally aspirated and turbocharged options.
- **Fuel System:** Lucas L-Jet fuel injection (for V8 models).
- **Drivetrain:** Rear-wheel drive (RWD).
- **Transmission:** 5-speed manual.
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Performance
The **Marcos Mantaray** delivered **strong performance**, thanks to its **lightweight construction** and **Rover V8 engine options**. Here are its key performance specs:
- **Top Speed:** ~150 mph (241 km/h)
- **Power Output:** **190–324 hp**, depending on engine choice
- **Torque:** ~319 Nm (235 lb-ft) @ 4,000 rpm
- **Weight:** ~1,000 kg (2,205 lbs)
- **Drivetrain:** Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
- **Transmission:** 5-speed manual
Its **sleek design** and **fiberglass body** contributed to **sharp handling**, making it a **fun and engaging** sports car. *****
Rivals
The **Marcos Mantaray** competed with several sports cars in the late **1990s**, each offering distinct performance characteristics. Here’s how it compared to some of its main rivals:
- **TVR Chimaera 4.0** – **Top Speed:** ~152 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~5.1 sec | **Power:** ~240 hp
- **Lotus Elise S1** – **Top Speed:** ~126 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~5.8 sec | **Power:** ~118 hp
- **Morgan Plus 8 (4.6L V8)** – **Top Speed:** ~135 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~5.9 sec | **Power:** ~215 hp
- **Porsche Boxster (986)** – **Top Speed:** ~149 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~6.4 sec | **Power:** ~204 hp
- **Mazda MX-5 (NB 1.8L)** – **Top Speed:** ~125 mph | **0-60 mph:** ~7.8 sec | **Power:** ~140 hp
The **Marcos Mantaray**, with its **150 mph top speed** and **190–324 hp**, positioned itself between the **TVR Chimaera** and **Morgan Plus 8** in terms of performance. Its **lightweight design** gave it **sharp handling**, making it a **thrilling driver’s car**.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Marcos Mantaray** was designed by **Dennis and Peter Adams**, who were responsible for shaping many of Marcos' iconic models. It was based on the **Marcos Mantara**, but featured a **re-styled bonnet and rear end**, giving it a more conventional look.
**Dimensions**
- **Wheelbase:** ~89.5 in (2,273 mm)
- **Length:** ~163.5 in (4,153 mm)
- **Width:** ~62.5 in (1,588 mm)
- **Height:** ~42.5 in (1,080 mm)
- **Weight:** ~1,000 kg (2,205 lbs)
Its **compact size and lightweight build** contributed to its **sharp handling** and **agile performance**.
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Spares/Specialists
For obtaining spares for your Marcos 3 Litre, here are some options: Spares:
1. **Marcos Heritage**: They are the only supplier of genuine Marcos parts worldwide. You can find a wide range of parts on their website [here](https://www.marcosheritage.com/parts).
2. **MEV Spares**: They offer parts for various Marcos models, including the 3 Litre. You can check their offerings [here](https://www.mevspares.co.uk/Marcos-Car-Parts-All-Models/).
3. **Classic Engine Parts**: They provide parts for the Marcos 3 Litre and other classic cars. You can visit their website [here](https://www.classicengineparts.co.uk/vehicles/marcos-3-litre-1968-to-1971).
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Garage Services in Northern Ireland:
1. **Eurofix Car Repairs**: Located in Belfast, they specialize in classic car restoration and maintenance. You can contact them at 028 9062 2633 or visit their website [here](https://www.eurofixcarrepairs.co.uk/).
2. **Good Autos**: Based in Saintfield, they offer a fully equipped workshop for servicing and repairs. You can reach them at 028 9751 2893 or visit their website [here](https://www.goodautos.co.uk/used/cars/mitsubishi).
3. **Hollybrook Sports Cars**: Located in Glenavy, they provide vehicle servicing and restoration services. You can contact them at 028 9445 9446 or visit their website [here](https://www.hollybrooksportscars.com/).
4. **McMillan Specialist Cars**: Based in Antrim, they offer classic car restoration and maintenance services. You can contact them at 028 9335 4911 or visit their website [here](https://mcmillanspecialistcars.com/services/classic-car-restoration/). These options should help you keep your Marcos 3 Litre in top condition.
Racing
The **Marcos Mantaray** was not widely used in professional racing, but Marcos as a brand had a strong motorsport heritage. While the Mantaray itself was more of a **road-going sports car**, Marcos cars were frequently seen in **club racing** and **historic motorsport events**.
Marcos had a history of racing success, with models like the **LM600** competing in the **British GT Championship** and **Le Mans 24 Hours**. The company’s lightweight construction made its cars competitive in **modsports racing** during the **1990s**.
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Valuation
In **2025**, a **Marcos Mantaray** in the UK is valued at around **£21,958–£24,995**, 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.
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HISTORY
The **Marcos Mantaray**, introduced in **1997**, was a refined evolution of the **Marcos Mantara**, designed to modernize the brand’s styling while maintaining its lightweight sports car philosophy.
**Development & Design**
- The **Mantaray** was based on the **Mantara**, but featured a **re-styled bonnet and rear end**, giving it a more conventional look.
- It retained the **fiberglass body** and **Rover V8 engine**, ensuring strong performance.
- Marcos aimed to soften the car’s lines to align with **1990s design trends**.
**Production & Legacy**
- Only **26 units** were built between **1997 and 1999**, making it a **rare collector’s car**.
- Mechanically, it remained **identical to the Mantara**, utilizing the same **Rover V8 and 2.0L Turbo Tomcat engines**.
- The **Mantaray** was one of the last models produced before Marcos faced financial difficulties, leading to its closure in **2000**.
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