The classic shape of the Marcos was updated with the launch of the Marcos Mantara in 1992 and small volume Type Approval obtained as the car was 'standardised' through production and conformed to various safety and emission regulations.

The increasingly difficult and now outdated Triumph front suspension was replace by an up to date Ford front knuckle assembly. The Marcos system incorporated a McPherson strut damper, coil spring and anti roll bar based loosely on the Ford system. In an attempt to appeal to a more diverse audience and make the driving experience more pleasurable, the Mantara was also the first Marcos with power assisted steering.  

The Marcos chassis was altered at the front end to accommodate the new suspension design and with a wider front track, the front end was significantly updated from its predecessor the Mantula.  

The main visible styling changes being to the bonnet, rear wheel arches and rear lights in an attempt to give the car a more modern appearance. Changes also included, a revised steering column and switch gear changes to the dashboard including revised heater controls.

Streamlining production in 1995 in an attempt to reduce build costs, saw additional changes. The steel replaced fibreglass in the footwells. The wooden dashboard supports were replaced with steel and the door frames were simplified by the removal of the quarter light and the introduction of a one piece drop-glass.

Engine options in the Mantara ranged from the Rover V8 in 3.9 & 4.6 litre form, and 5 Litre NCK with sports pack, developing a claimed 320 bhp.

A small engined variant of the Mantara was introduced in 1997 and with a lower insurance premium it was hoped it would appeal to the younger driver. Powered by the Rover Tomcat 2.0 litre engine, the GTS was available in both turbo and non turbo form. The only other distinguishing feature of the 2.0 Litre GTS cars was the bonnet. This was a further progression from the Mantara bonnet incorporating much smoother lines, flared in back mounted headlamps, and a deeper spoiler, which was used on the later Mantaray model. A handful of  late Mantara V8's were produced with the same bonnet as the 2.0 litre models.

The Mantara ended up campaigning in GT racing, with the ultimate version – the LM600 – powered by a 6-litre Chevrolet V8.

Chassis

          Suspension Front:
Independent, coil spring, MacPherson strut

          Suspension Rear:
Independent, upper and lower wishbones, coil springs

          Steering:
rack and pinion

          Bodyframe:
spaceframe

          Transmission:
Five-speed manual

Dimensions

          Length:
4005mm

          Wheelbase:
2273mm

          Width:
1680mm

          Height:
1150mm

Marcos Mantara

137 Mantara's in all were produced at the factory in Westbury from 1992 to 1998. But 1998 didn't see the Mantara name disappear straight away as the name was also used for the homologation of the Le Mans Race Cars. The Marcos Mantara LM600 was homologated in 1999 for a period of ten years. This link will take you to the FiA's historic Database and the Marcos homologation details.

Download FiA Homologation Papers