Description
26th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1993 Marcos Mantara 3. 9i
Only 12, 497 miles from new
Estimate
£12, 000 - £14, 000
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Lot details
Registration: K800MMS
Chassis: SA9NMSXXNPK05004
Odometer: 12, 497
Transmission: Manual
MOT: October 2025 (No advisories)
Only 12, 497 miles from new
Fitted with the desirable Rover 3. 9i V8
Only 5 former keepers
In current ownership since 2017
Driven to the sale room
Believed to be the Marcos Mantara press car
The classic shape of the Marcos was updated with the launch of the Marcos Mantara in 1992 and small volume Type Approval obtained, as the car was 'standardised' through production and conformed to various safety and emission regulations.
The increasingly difficult and now outdated Triumph front suspension was replaced by an up to date Ford front knuckle assembly. The Marcos system incorporated a McPherson strut damper, coil spring and anti-rollbar based loosely on the Ford system. In an attempt to appeal to a more diverse audience and make the driving experience more pleasurable, the Mantara was also the first Marcos with power assisted steering.
The Marcos chassis was altered at the front end to accommodate the new suspension design and with a wider front track, the front end was significantly updated from its predecessor the Mantula.
The main visible styling changes being to the bonnet, rear wheel arches and rear lights in an attempt to give the car a more modern appearance. Changes also included a revised steering column and switch gear changes to the dashboard including revised heater controls.
Streamlining production in 1995 in an attempt to reduce build costs, saw additional changes. The steel replaced fibreglass in the footwells. The wooden dashboard supports were replaced with steel and the door frames were simplified by the removal of the quarter light and the introduction of a one piece drop-glass.
Engine options in the Mantara ranged from the Rover V8 in 3. 9 and 4. 6-litre form, and 5-litre NCK with sports pack, developing a claimed 320 bhp.
A small engined variant of the Mantara was introduced in 1997 and with a lower insurance premium it was hoped it would appeal to the younger driver. Powered by the Rover Tomcat 2. 0 litre engine, the GTS was available in both turbo and non turbo form. The only other distinguishing feature of the 2. 0 Litre GTS cars was the bonnet. This was a further progression from the Mantara bonnet incorporating much smoother lines, flared in back mounted headlamps, and a deeper spoiler, which was used on the later Mantaray model. A handful of late Mantara V8s were produced with the same bonnet as the 2. 0-litre models.
The Mantara ended up campaigning in GT racing, with the ultimate version - the LM600 - powered by a 6-litre Chevrolet V8.
Finished in Dark Blue with a Magnolia leather interior and Blue convertible roof. The fiberglass bodywork is in good condition, with a few age related marks here and there, to be expected. The silver wheels really offset against the Blue paintwork. The hood appears to be free from any obvious rips or tears and is fully operational. The Magnolia interior could do with a good deep clean but will come up really well with a bit of elbow grease. These are very rare cars and offer superb performance, especially at this price point. Perfect for fantastic roof down classic motoring, with a fabulous V8 soundtrack. What’s not to like!
