Marlin - SELLING UP!!

[jon_cox]

Looks like Terry has decided to sell Marlin Engineering.

http://www.totalkitcar.com/2019/03/14/iconic-kitcar-business-for-sale/

This is a sad day........

[A_Hogg]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

Since they apparently also make the chassis for Suffolk sportscars one wonders if that liason will continue

[stevejgreen]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

Since they apparently also make the chassis for Suffolk sportscars one wonders if that liason will continue

They already sold Avatar, which itself is back up for sale.

[ggrum]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

As has already been seen in the kit car press I can confirm that Marlin Sportscars is up for dale, either in its entirety or in parts. Terry Matthews has managed to keep the company going since her husband Mark died in 2014 but has decided the time is right to 'retire' and move onto something else. I don't know exactly exactly when the company will cease trading but I'm sure any existing commitments will be honoured wherever possible. However, I would recommend that you contact them sooner rather than later.

[ggrum]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

Just to follow on from the previous post, below is a message from Terry Matthews of Marlin Sportscars:-

For Sale Marlin Sports Cars
To my wonderful loyal customers
After considerable soul-searching, I’ve decided the time is right for someone new to take on the company that Mark and I nurtured for 26 years and sadly since Marks passing, the last 5 on my own, with my loyal Marlin team Kevin, Nick and Russell.
I have had the most amazing journey with Marlin. At times it’s been quite a roller coaster of a ride but I would not change any of it and during this time so many friends have come into my life as a result of Marlin which makes me feel so incredibly lucky.
However I am ready for the next chapter of my life and want to spend more time with my family & friends, travel and generally relax…. Well for a while anyway until the next project!
In the meantime please rest assured that we are still actively producing components and currently taking kit & part orders. However as there will eventually be a reduction in staff members, it would be helpful if you could let me know by the end of March if you have an order to place for a Sportster/EXi kit or any parts to help complete your kit.
I will be in touch again and of course you can keep updated by checking out our web site or FB page.
For more details please check out the full details on our news page http://www.marlinsportscars.co.uk/news/234/
With warm wishes

[David]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

I’d been thinking about an engine rebuild on JRR recently so wondered about going electric, which then got me thinking about specialist car makers like Marlin and how they would fair in a non combustion engine future. Then I saw Morgan’s new car with a BMW 6 in it and the commentator saying it was ‘ready’ for electric power. So my point is anyone that wants to take Marlin Sortscars on will have to work out all of the above, the Sportster isn’t an obvious layout for electric, but maybe the Exi is.

[meverett]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

Last night I briefly looked into electric conversions after scraping through the MOT emissions on my T5 van.
It can be seriously expensive, I read one artical that could cost up to $15,000.
I also read another that someone in the US converted an old car using a forklift motor but was only getting around 40 miles to a charge.
A Marlin DIY electric conversion would make interesting reading, anyone up for the challenge?

[djj_engineer]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

There is an MGA in the states that will do 0-60 in about 4secs and a top speed of 135mphi It is all electric.
Am looking at an electric Marlin with interest!

[scott h]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

There is a Facebook page for electric kit cars.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1905865296100351/

[ggrum]

Re: Marlin - SELLING UP!!

I understand that Marlin Sportscars are from now no longer taking any orders so, hopefully, there are no part built Sportsters or Exis out there where the builder still needs Marlin specific parts. If so, Terry Matthews of Marlin will be at Stoneleigh so you could approach her directly. I can't say if this will help or not.
Geoff