Marcos - Marcos GT
The Marcos GT covers pretty much all the Marcos cars ever built! From 1964 the fibreglass bodied Marcos 1800GT had the 1780 cc B4 Volvo engine, with a DeDion rear end, later changed to a live axle. From 1966 Ford engines were used with the Kent 1499cc called the Marcos 1500 GT, and a couple of years later the 1598 cc for the Marcos 1600GT, although there was also the bored out 1650cc race tuned engine also available. For 1969 and 1970 the redesigned Marcos 2000 GT used the V4 Ford Essex engine and there were also the two 3 litre GT examples; the first had the 3 litre V6 Kent engine, and the other one had the straight six 2978cc Volvo engine installed. And by 1971 a Triumph TR6 engine was used for the Marcos 2 1/2 litre. The Volvo engines were only used for the Marcos cars exported to the USA because this engine had already undergone the USA emission test required by their Department of Transportation. These USA specification cars were slightly different having an increased ride height and no headlamp covering. Eventually with difficulties selling cars in the USA due to ever increasing regulations, coupled with the importance of the export sales, the Marcos company was sold part way through 1971. Production of cars continued but the company closed shortly afterwards. The Marcos GT returned in 1981 with a variety of engine options such as the V6 Ford Cologne 2.8 litre which was called the Marcos 3 litre (which cost £8,500 in 1983). And for 1983 the Marcos Mantula was available with the Rover V8 engine.
Tyre sizes for Marcos GT:
- All Marcos GT models produced from 1964 to 1970 were originally listed with 165R13 tyres, and Blockley produces a high quality period correct 165HR13 tyre size. This 165HR13 tyre would be ideal for the Marcos 1500 , 1600GT and 2 litre.
-As a non standard alternative to the 165R13 size, we also produce a wider but same diameter 185/70VR13, as well as a less wide and slightly smaller 175/70VR13.
- Post 1981 Marcos 3 litre GT (and other engine types) originally fitted 185/70HR13 so we would recommend the high speed rated steel construction Blockley 185/70VR13 tyre.
- Marcos Mantula was originally 195/60R14 and we would suggest the 205/70VR14 tyre size as a good alternative.
See full details of all 3 of these high speed rated period correct tread pattern tyres below:
