Redline Sportscars is delighted to offer for sale an exceptionally rare and historically significant Marcos Mantis GT. This is the very last Marcos Mantis ever built, completed by Marcos Heritage in 2002 following the closure of the original Marcos factory.

Just 51 road-going Mantis models were produced, of which only 16 were supercharged. This particular example represents the final chapter in Mantis production, making it a very special opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts of the marque.

Finished in striking metallic blue with a contrasting factory-painted black centre stripe, this Mantis GT features the unmistakable aggressive styling of the supercharged model, including its dramatic vented bonnet, substantial rear wing, carbon fibre aerodynamic detailing and deep-dish alloy wheels.

The black centre stripe was painted at the factory rather than applied as a later modification. This particular car was also featured in the official Marcos calendars, further adding to its history and provenance.

Engine & Performance

At the heart of the Mantis GT is Ford’s formidable 4.6-litre, 32-valve, quad-cam V8, equipped with a Vortech supercharger and intercooling system. The supercharged Mantis GT was originally developed to produce over 500 bhp, making it one of the most powerful British production sports cars of its era.

This example benefits from upgraded Manley forged pistons and connecting rods, providing significantly greater strength and durability than the standard engine internals, particularly important in a high-performance supercharged application.

Unlike cars retaining the original Ford ECU with a modified chip, this Mantis runs a standalone engine management system, allowing much greater control over fuelling, ignition and overall engine calibration.

Factory Zinc-Protected Chassis

One of the most significant features of this particular Mantis is its factory zinc-protected chassis.

Only the very last Marcos chassis received this treatment, making it an exceptionally desirable feature from a long-term preservation perspective. Zinc protection provides a substantial improvement in corrosion resistance compared with the more traditional painted steel chassis used on earlier examples.

The benefits of this process are something we strongly believe in at Redline Sportscars. In fact, we now incorporate zinc protection into every body-off chassis restoration we undertake, making this factory treatment on the final Mantis particularly noteworthy.

Recent Recommissioning by Redline Sportscars

Having spent over ten years off the road, this Mantis GT has recently undergone an extensive recommissioning programme here at Redline Sportscars, specialists in Marcos servicing, restoration and maintenance.

The work has included:

• Comprehensive mechanical inspection and recommissioning.

• Full engine service, including replacement engine oil and filters.

• Gearbox and differential oil changes.

• Replacement brake and clutch fluids.

• Cooling system service and fresh coolant.

• Replacement supercharger drive belt and air filter.

• Fuel system recommissioning, including removal and cleaning of the fuel tank, attention to the filler neck, fuel hoses and associated fittings.

• New battery.

• Complete brake overhaul, with new discs and pads all round, including AP Racing floating front brake discs.

• New exhaust silencers.

• Four new tyres, fitted and balanced.

• Removal of ageing paint protection film.

• Full professional paint correction to restore the depth and finish of the metallic blue paintwork.

This comprehensive programme has been carried out with the intention of returning the car to a condition in which it can once again be enjoyed, while preserving its originality and historical significance.

Condition & History

This example has had just one owner from new and retains much of its original character, with carefully selected mechanical upgrades complementing its already impressive specification.

The exterior has recently undergone a full professional paint correction, restoring the depth, clarity and gloss of the metallic blue finish. The factory-painted black centre stripe remains a particularly distinctive feature, accentuating the dramatic bonnet design and continuing over the rear bodywork.

Inside, the car features its original-style grey leather interior, contrasting blue Willans harnesses, carbon fibre dashboard detailing and the wonderfully distinctive cockpit layout that makes the Mantis unlike anything else on the road.

The car has covered no additional mileage since its previous MOT and will be supplied with a fresh 12 months’ MOT at the point of sale.

A Significant Piece of Marcos History

The Mantis GT was the ultimate development of the original Marcos V8 road car, combining lightweight construction, extraordinary performance and unmistakably British styling.

This particular example is especially significant. As the final Mantis ever built, completed by Marcos Heritage after the original factory closed, it occupies a unique position in the marque’s history.

Its specification further distinguishes it from other examples, combining the supercharged 4.6-litre V8 with Manley forged engine internals, standalone engine management and the exceptionally rare factory zinc-protected chassis.

Together with its period appearance in the Marcos calendars, factory-painted colour scheme, extensive recent recommissioning and comprehensive paint correction, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a truly special piece of British sports car history.

With so few supercharged Mantis models ever produced, and this being the very last example, finding another car with comparable provenance would be exceptionally difficult.

Available to view by appointment at Redline Sportscars.

As dedicated Marcos specialists, we know these cars intimately and are happy to discuss the history, specification and recent recommissioning of this particular example in detail.

Please contact Redline Sportscars for further information or to arrange a viewing.