Description
Marlin Roadster, 1969 Triumph Herald 13/ 60 based kit car. Correctly registered as a Marlin and historic class so it’s tax and MOT exempt. Mechanically good - all of the dials, switches, and lights do what they’re supposed to. Drives well too in all gears and overdrive. Chassis is in good condition, as is bodywork structure. Dry stored.
Steering is lively and immediate - the triumph Marlins have great front suspension and steering, and a tight turning circle. Brakes working as they should; Disc brakes front, drums rear. I use it regularly and took it for a 100 mile drive last weekend without any issues.??
4cyl 1300 petrol engine with stromberg carb, 4 gears plus reverse and overdrive. Key ignition, isolator switch, heater (a bit on the weak side), seat belts, cosmic ribster alloy wheels with spare. Soft top with frame, and tonneau cover included. I can supply side screens I bought it with but I’ve never fitted these to the car.
In my ownership I’ve:
* Fixed the fuel gauge
* Wired in the switch for the overdrive, replaced O/ D solenoid and relay to get it working
* Relocated the battery from the rear luggage compartment to the scuttle, freeing up more room
* New compact mx-5 battery
* Replaced timing case oil seal
* Added front spot lamps and illuminated switches - lamps use existing bolts so can be removed without a trace if desired.
* Replaced dynamo with new alternator, plugs, solid core coil
* I’ve also adjusted the timings and mixture to get it running nicely
* Added a fire extinguisher (included in sale) and a net to hold the wires up under the dash.
I didn’t get so far as a respray and it’s due one - there’s a few blemishes in the paint now. Although the tread depth is fine, the tyres are quite old so I’d recommend replacement. Soft top will need a bit of glueing soon I think, and the wiring could be tidier in the engine bay. This mk1 roadster was previously restored by a well-known member of the Marlin Owners Club - its rebuild diary is on the forum. I’ve owned it for about a year and a half, and thoroughly enjoyed it and the interest it gets when out and about. Selling to get a different Marlin!
On the road it feels small and agile, initially it’s disconcerting in traffic how low down you are, but you get used to it. The proper fun starts on minor roads, and to be honest in town with the attention it gets. It’s not blazing fast but a truly engaging drive, and there’s reasonable space for me at an average 5’9 and somewhat on the portly side.
Really puts a smile on your face, it’s a rather unusual car - you don’t see many of the like, and it’s pretty easy to work on and inexpensive to run due to herald / spitfire parts, decent mpg, free tax and cheap insurance. Just don’t try to use it for moving house.
