- Marlin (car)
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Marlin Sportscars Ltd Type British Sportscar Manufacturer Industry Automobiles Founded 1979 Founder(s) Paul Moorhouse Headquarters Crediton, Devon, England, UK Website [1] Marlin is a British sports car manufacturer founded in 1979 in Plymouth as Marlin Engineering and now located in Crediton, Devon England.
The company was founded by Paul Moorhouse, who, after building a series of one off cars for his own use decided to put one into production as a kit car. The first kits were sold in 1979.[1]
The first product was the Roadster which remained in the line up until sold, along with the Berlinetta, to Yorkshire Kit Cars (YKC) in 1992 who kept them in production until the owner retired in 2006 and sold them on to Aquila Sports Cars Ltd.
In the mid 1990s the company was sold to Terry and Mark Matthews who introduced the Hunter model.
Contents
Marlin Roadster
The Roadster was the original car and was based around Triumph Herald components. The two seat body built of aluminium and glass fibre had a radiator grille slightly similar to pre-war Alfa Romeo sports cars. In 1981 the Morris Marina became the donor car replacing the Triumph and the Marina engine became standard although many customers fitted engines, gearboxes and back axles of their own choice
Berlinetta
The Berlinetta was launched in 1984 as a 2+2 coupé version using Ford Cortina Mk III or IV parts.
Cabrio
The 1991 Cabrio was an updated Roadster based on Ford Sierra parts.
Hunter
Based on the Cabrio the Hunter was a complete, factory built car.
Sportster
Sportster Predecessor Marlin Roadster Body style open two seat Engine 2000 to 3500 cc BMW E36 I6 Transmission 5-speed manual Length 3,650 mm (144 in) Width 1,650 mm (65 in) Curb weight 850 kg (typical) The Sportster is the latest in the Roadster line but completely updated with the BMW E36 six cylinder engine as standard. It is available as a kit or fully built.
5EXi
5EXi Body style open two seat Engine Honda B1.6, 1.8 or K20 Vtec Civic engine
Rover K-series 1.1 to 1.8ltr
Rover T-series Tomcat engine 2.0ltr Turbo, Audi 1.8TTransmission 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual Length 3,550 mm (140 in) Width 1,690 mm (67 in) Curb weight 650 kg (typical) As a complete change from the retro looks of the previous models, the 5EXi is a modern two seat, mid engined sports car using Honda Civic, Rover K-series engines or Audi 1.8T engine . The car is built up around a space frame on which are fastened glass fibre body panels.
It is available as a kit or fully built. It is claimed by the factory that the kit can be assembled in 100 hours
External links
- Company website
- Marlin Owners Club
- Aquila Sports Cars, makers of the descendant of the Roadster
- Javelin Sports Cars, makers of the descendant of the Cabrio
References
Categories:- Motor vehicle manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Sports car manufacturers
- Kit car manufacturers
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