1975-2023

The Competition History of RAD 366G - Marcos 1600GT :1968-1974

In 1975 I left the motor racing scene to go to and work in Indonesia for two years during which time I loaned the Marcos to a close friend, Chris, who had also pitted for me in earlier times. Chris was based in Jersey and used the car on sprints and Hillclimbs in the Channel Islands including the famous Bouley Bay event. He was very successful.

On my return to the UK, my life had changed radically and I moved to Guildford where I am now. I had to consider restarting my racing life but took the view that I could not get any more from the Marcos and moving to another make was not an option. Money was also a consideration.

I then went ahead with a plan that I have mentioned before and set about reverse engineering the car to go back on the road. Stan Gray was quite happy to tackle this project and what he did was this;

Replace lightweight bonnet, side panels and boot lid with the originals he had been storing for me.
Replace original fuel tank.
Keep the electric fuel pump system we had used for racing.
Refit original road wheels and tyres
Strip engine and replace camshaft. Now BCF2
Replace Weber DCOE Carburettors with original downdraft unit. Larger choke.
Continue to use block, cylinder head, valve train.
Continue to use gear box with close ratio gears.
Same competition clutch.

He did a perfect job as Stan always did.

In more recent years the car has been looked after by Rory and his team at Marcos Heritage. To try and keep it as near original as possible Rory organised a respray in the original colour Earls Court Blue, a special colour Jem had used for the Earls Court Motor Show in the Sixties. The other more modern additive is Electronic Ignition. Rory also removed the LSD.

Final words

I had so much fun with this car over the years but it would all have been a huge struggle had I not had the support of so many people. My Dad who helped me pay a few bills, also Jolyon, Colin, Paul and Chris who at various times brought tyres, kept race notes and tried to keep me cheerful (a challenge at times!). I also must also make mention of the wonderful camera work of John Gaisford. His perfect shots have helped me remember those days and have helped me write this anthology.

Then there was Stan and Tony at Trowbridge who did such superb engineering work. And finally, Rory and his team who still keep this wonderful car (and driver) going.

My many thanks to you all.

Ian Gemmell - November 2023

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