Marcos is back: DIY shop wants to build Ferrari opponent

There are brands that never truly fade from our consciousness, even if we go a long way without hearing from them. And then there are those that we've almost forgotten – like Marcos. Who would have thought that the British sports car brand, which has disappeared into obscurity for almost two decades, would come back?

But that's exactly what's happening now: Marcos is planning its comeback with a new super sports car. The manufacturer announced this on its LinkedIn profile. Led by William Storey – known as the CEO of the energy drink company Rich Energy – the new start is intended to be a Formula 1-inspired sports car. There's no picture of the model yet (the teaser image shows a Marcos GT 3 Litre from 1969). Lightweight construction, driving pleasure, and sporty performance that rivals the industry's biggest names, such as Ferrari or Lamborghini – that's what Marcos wants to deliver all at once. Details about the vehicle are still scarce, but what is certain is that the new Marcos will be unveiled in November 2025.

Marcos, founded in 1959 by racing driver Jeremy Marsh and aeronautical engineer Frank Costin, was one of the most innovative brands in British sports car construction. Even in its early years, Marcos relied on unconventional technologies. Instead of heavy steel frames, they used plywood chassis and glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). The Mini Marcos, the first production model based on Austin Mini technology, began production in 1965.

In the 1960s and 1970s, Marcos launched a number of successful models, including the Marcos Mantis and the Marcos Mantara series. The brand repeatedly attracted attention, especially on the racetrack. The Mantis competed in the British GT series and international rallies.

Despite its unusual design and strong motorsport DNA, the manufacturer repeatedly struggled with financial problems. In 1971, the company filed for bankruptcy for the first time. But the brand's story was far from over. Jem Marsh bought back the rights to the company, and in 1981, Marcos brought new models back to market. For example, the V6 Coupé was available as a self-assembly kit. Kit cars were considerably cheaper than fully assembled cars at the time – anyone who had a lot of time and enjoyed tinkering, or who had little money, bought a kit car.

At home in the low-budget segment, Marcos was not immune to the financial crises that rocked the British automotive market in the 1990s. In 2000, the company filed for bankruptcy again. Two years later, another attempt at revival followed, but this venture also failed. The final end came in 2007.

The brand's decline can be attributed to several factors. One of these was constant financial difficulties and the inability to establish a stable production base. Many of the models were sold as kits, which hindered a broad market presence. Furthermore, in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Marcos faced stiff competition from established brands such as Lotus, TVR, and other British specialists serving a similar market with their own lightweight sports cars. Marcos was never able to raise the necessary financing to remain competitive in the long term and produce its vehicles in larger quantities.

Whether the new Marcos can keep the brand's legacy alive remains to be seen. History has shown that grand ambitions alone aren't enough to gain a foothold in the motorsport and sports car markets. But with the right mix of innovation, financial strength, and a loyal following, a comeback could be a success.

In the video, you can see the Ferrari Dodici Cilindri Spider. The new Marcos could become a competitor.