A Marcos built in 2014 sounds like the result of an administrative error. However, this Marcos Martina in Royal Blue was indeed completed and registered that year – more than two decades after production of the model had officially ended.
Marcos will soon stage a comeback, spearheaded by a track-only Mosquito sports car. Confusingly, another company using the Marcos name is developing a supercar called the Manticore – also due later in 2026.
In the meantime, the Martina pictured here is believed to be the final Marcos registered for the road. Keen to own a piece of British motoring history? It will be offered by Iconic Auctioneers at the Classic Sale on 29 and 30 August 2026.
A Marcos with Ford Cortina roots
Introduced in 1991, the Martina was conceived as a more affordable route into Marcos ownership. It borrowed the curvaceous shape of the Rover V8-powered Mantula, but used running gear from the Ford Cortina Mk4 or Mk5. This included the engine, transmission, front subframe, steering system and rear axle.
It was an appealingly straightforward formula: a distinctive British sports car supported by mechanical parts sourced from one of the UK’s most popular family saloons.
Most Martinas were sold in component form for enthusiasts to bolt together themselves. Both coupe and open-top Spyder bodies were available, while engines ranged from the 1.6-litre Ford Pinto to the more muscular Cologne V6.
The car featured here uses the familiar 2.0-litre Pinto four-cylinder engine mated to a manual gearbox.
Around 80 examples of the Martina were produced in total, making it rare even by the modest standards of specialist British car manufacturers.
The use of the Cortina’s wider steering rack also explains the Martina’s pronounced wheelarches. These gave it a stance close to that of the more powerful Mantula, even if the components underneath were more likely to be recognised by a typical local garage.
Arriving fashionably late
This Mantula was built in 2014 by the current vendor’s late father and has remained in family ownership. Its late completion date makes it an unusual survivor from the kit car era. According to the auction catalogue, it may also be the last ‘original’ Marcos registered.
Metallic Royal Blue paintwork is paired with a Parchment leather cabin, while build booklets and supporting paperwork document the car’s build and registration.
The Martina may lack the V8 performance of its Mantula sibling, but it retains the low-slung shape, hand-built character and rarity associated with a Marcos. Humble Ford mechanicals should also make ownership a less intimidating prospect than the car’s appearance suggests.
Estimated to sell for between £10,000 and £12,000 by Iconic Auctioneers, this could be one of the more affordable routes into Marcos ownership – and almost certainly the only 2014 car for which a Ford Cortina might be a useful donor vehicle.
See the full listing here and be ready to bid on Sunday 30 August at 11:00. The auction is part of CarFest, which will take place at Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.
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