A truly exceptional wooden-chassis Marcos 1600 GT, comprehensively restored and sympathetically developed into an extremely capable fast-road car.

Rather than simply returning the car to its original specification, the intention was to preserve everything that makes an early Marcos special while improving its performance, reliability, comfort and usability. The result is a beautifully finished Marcos that remains light, compact and full of character, but feels like a much more modern car than it actually is.

Finished in striking Lamborghini Miura Green with gold 15-inch alloy wheels, a black roof and a bespoke black leather interior with contrasting green piping, the car is in exceptional condition throughout.

The restoration and development were carried out by Redline Sportscars between 2023 and 2025, with Redline invoices alone totalling more than £61,000. It has now covered approximately 2,800 miles since completion, allowing the car to be thoroughly tested, developed and properly sorted.

Engine and transmission

Power comes from a rebuilt 1,600cc Ford Kent crossflow engine fitted with a Formula Ford 1600 camshaft, individual bike throttle bodies and electronic fuel injection.

A fully programmable standalone ECU controls both the fuel injection and mapped distributorless ignition system. The fuel-injection and custom-exhaust installations represented an investment of approximately £3,000.

The engine was stripped and rebuilt with new pistons and rings, big-end bearings, timing components, valve stem seals, an uprated high-flow oil pump and ARP connecting-rod bolts. The bores were measured, found to be in excellent condition and lightly honed before reassembly.

A bespoke Reverie carbon-fibre airbox feeds the throttle bodies, while the custom-fabricated exhaust provides improved ground clearance and a purposeful but usable soundtrack.

The original four-speed gearbox has been replaced by a Ford Type 9 five-speed unit with a Burton Power short-shift conversion. The installation incorporated a modified gearbox mounting and floor, revised clutch arrangement, new propshaft and calibrated electronic speedometer drive. The additional fifth gear makes the car far more relaxed on longer journeys.

Chassis, steering and brakes

The original wooden chassis construction has been retained, with the timber protected by carefully fabricated aluminium engine-bay panels.

The front subframe was removed, cleaned, zinc coated and powder coated before being refitted. The suspension and steering components were also restored and refinished.

The front suspension now features Spyder Engineering adjustable wishbones, trunnionless uprights, solid steering-rack mounts and custom-machined spacers. Discreetly installed electric power steering makes the car much easier to manoeuvre without losing the responsive steering expected from such a lightweight sports car.

Braking has been upgraded with a Canley GT6 big-brake conversion and Mintex 1144 pads. The suspension geometry, camber, castor and wheel alignment were all set up as part of the build.

The 15-inch alloy wheels were selected to provide improved ground clearance, a sensible choice of modern tyres and better ride quality.

Engine bay and cooling

Considerable attention has gone into presenting an exceptionally clean and carefully detailed engine bay. Wiring, plumbing and ancillary components have been discreetly routed, with carbon-fibre mudguards, aluminium chassis-protection panels and the bespoke airbox producing a beautifully finished installation.

Cooling is handled by a Coolex aluminium radiator, electric fan and separate engine oil cooler. The alternator has been chosen specifically to retain the period appearance of a dynamo.

Body and interior

The body was stripped and prepared before being refinished in Lamborghini Miura Green. The colour suits the dramatic Marcos shape perfectly and is complemented by the gold wheels, black roof panel and dark headlamp covers.

A new windscreen has recently been fitted.

The interior was completely retrimmed in black leather with green piping and stitching. It features a bespoke carbon-fibre dashboard, period-style Smiths instruments, a leather-trimmed centre console and a forged-carbon gear knob.

Modern equipment has been incorporated without spoiling the period appearance, including:

• DAB radio
• USB charging outlets
• Rear-view mirror camera
• Electronic speedometer conversion
• Modern heater and blower system
• LED rear lighting
• Three-point seat belts

Electrical and fuel systems

The car has received a completely bespoke wiring harness, replacing the original 1960s electrical system. The installation includes a modern fuse box, bulkhead connectors, properly wrapped looms, new feeds and earths, relays and discreet provision for the car’s modern accessories.

The fuel system has also been extensively renewed and reorganised using low-permeability ethanol-resistant hose, new filtration and a Facet electric fuel pump.

On the road

This is where the car is particularly impressive. It starts easily, pulls cleanly through the throttle bodies and feels light, responsive and exceptionally well balanced.

The five-speed gearbox, electric power steering, powerful brakes and carefully set-up suspension make it far easier and more enjoyable to drive than a standard 1960s Marcos. It does not feel like an old car that needs allowances made for it, while still retaining the unique driving position, lightweight construction and character of a wooden-chassis Marcos.

The car is MOT tested until 23 July 2027.

Presented in outstanding condition and accompanied by an extensive photographic and invoiced record, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a properly restored and thoughtfully developed early Marcos.

Recreating a car to this specification and standard would cost considerably more than the £41,995 asking price.

Viewing is highly recommended. Serious enquiries are welcome.

Located in Pontefract.