Description
The Marcos GT 3-Litre was the flagship of the classic Marcos range during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It took the company’s lightweight engineering philosophy and distinctive styling and combined them with the power and smoothness of a large-capacity Ford V6. The result was a more muscular, long-legged grand touring version of the earlier 1600 and 1800 cars — a model aimed at buyers who wanted the same sharp handling and unconventional charm but with far stronger performance and easier high-speed cruising. For many enthusiasts it represents the definitive Marcos of the era: dramatic to look at, unusually engineered and deeply rewarding to drive.
The GT 3-Litre retained the iconic silhouette created by Frank Costin. The long, sweeping nose, low cabin, pronounced wheelarches and kicked-up tail gave it a purposeful, almost predatory stance. The car sat low to the ground and carried its mass close to the centreline, emphasising both aerodynamics and stability. As before, the body was moulded entirely from fibreglass — light, strong and easy to repair — and it was bonded onto the company’s unique plywood monocoque chassis. This laminated wooden tub, formed from marine-grade plywood sections bonded with resin, offered remarkable torsional rigidity and was significantly lighter than an equivalent steel structure. Despite its unconventional nature, the chassis proved durable and provided a superbly solid foundation for suspension geometry.
The heart of the GT 3-Litre was the Ford Essex V6 engine, a 2,994 cc unit also found in the Ford Capri and Zodiac. In Marcos tune the engine typically produced around 138 horsepower, but its real strength was torque: the broad, lazy mid-range thrust made the car feel effortless and flexible at all speeds. Weighing a little over 900 kilograms depending on specification, the GT 3-Litre offered brisk acceleration and a top speed approaching 125–130 mph. The engine’s smoothness and muscular character made it far more relaxed on long journeys than the four-cylinder variants, and the extra power suited the GT’s long-distance intentions.
The suspension layout followed the same general pattern as smaller Marcos models. Independent double wishbones and coil springs at the front gave sharp steering response and predictable grip. At the rear, a well-located live axle with coil springs and radius arms delivered good traction and stability. The rigid monocoque meant the suspension worked efficiently without unwanted flex, and the car’s low centre of gravity made it agile despite its larger engine. Front disc brakes and rear drums provided dependable stopping power for the era, though many cars were later upgraded with rear discs.
Driving the GT 3-Litre was a distinctive experience. The steering was light and direct, and the combination of low weight and strong torque made the car feel eager without being frantic. It was stable at speed, capable of covering long distances with ease, and delivered the sort of mechanical feedback that made smaller Marcos models so appealing. The cabin retained the brand’s minimalist approach: low seating, clear Smiths instruments, simple controls and excellent forward visibility thanks to the long, sloping bonnet. The interior felt intimate rather than spacious, but it suited the GT’s sporting character.
In road tests of the period, journalists praised the GT 3-Litre for its strong performance, excellent roadholding and unusual construction. Its handling balance impressed drivers who appreciated its lightness and directness, and it gained a loyal following among owners who valued individuality over mass-market conformity. Some lamented the cramped cabin and the limited rear visibility, but most considered these minor compromises for such a distinctive machine.
The GT 3-Litre also made its presence felt in club motorsport. Its stiff chassis and reliable V6 made it effective in hill climbs, sprints and circuit events, and the model’s tuning potential allowed it to match much more powerful rivals. Many racing examples appeared with modified suspension, hotter camshafts and free-flowing induction systems, exploiting the V6’s easy torque and durable bottom end.
Production numbers were low, as with all Marcos models of the era, making the GT 3-Litre a rare and desirable car today. It stands as one of the most characterful British grand tourers of its time — unconventional in construction, striking in appearance and extremely engaging from behind the wheel. The combination of lightness, aerodynamic purity and V6 power made it both practical and exciting, and it remains one of the most appealing ways to experience the unique world of Marcos engineering.