Description
1998 Marcos Mantis 4. 6 V8 Convertible – Rare British Hand-Built Super GT | Exceptional Condition
25th May = Updated Pictures with the Hood up
A truly rare slice of British specialist performance car history.
Here we have an absolutely stunning 1998 Marcos Mantis Convertible, finished in striking Rolls-Royce Emerald Green metallic with a beautifully contrasting cream leather interior. This is one of those cars that stops people in their tracks—low, dramatic, unmistakably British, and packing serious V8 performance.
Hand-built in Wiltshire by Marcos, this example is understood to be one of just 34 Mantis models produced, and according to the accompanying information, the only example finished in this specific Rolls-Royce Emerald Green colour combination.
This particular car presents in exceptionally clean and well-kept condition throughout.
Condition Overview
Having reviewed the photographs, this Marcos appears to be a particularly smart example:
Paintwork is exceptional – deep gloss finish with excellent shine and colour consistency throughout
Body panels appear very straight and clean, with no obvious damage, cracking, crazing or poor repairs visible
Front end presents beautifully with the distinctive Marcos nose and integrated lighting all looking very tidy
Alloy wheels are in excellent condition, presenting cleanly with no obvious kerbing visible
Tyres appear to be in very good usable condition
Cream leather interior presents extremely well, especially considering the performance nature of the car
Seats remain supportive and smart with only light age-related creasing as expected
Dashboard, burr walnut trim and switchgear present very well and suit the car beautifully
Door cards, carpets and interior trim all appear clean and cared for
Soft top assembly appears complete and tidy
Engine bay presents honestly and cleanly
Front luggage compartment is trimmed and neat
Overall, this is a car that clearly appears to have been cherished rather than simply used.
Performance & Engineering
At the heart of the Mantis sits the mighty Ford 4. 6-litre Mustang Cobra Quad Cam V8.
Factory specification details include:
4. 6-litre Ford Mustang Cobra Quad Cam V8
352 bhp
0–60 mph in approx. 5. 2 seconds
Top speed circa 154 mph
Rear-wheel drive
Manual gearbox
Lightweight hand-built composite-bodied chassis construction
This is a superb engine choice for a specialist British sports car—powerful, charismatic, reliable by specialist car standards, and with excellent parts availability compared with more obscure exotic drivetrains.
The Ford Modular V8 is well regarded for its durability, smooth power delivery, and unmistakable V8 soundtrack.
Marcos History
For those unfamiliar with the marque, Marcos is one of Britain’s great specialist performance car manufacturers.
Founded in 1959 by Jem Marsh and Frank Costin, the company became famous for building lightweight, innovative sports cars that often punched far above their weight.
Frank Costin’s background in aeronautical engineering—including work connected with aircraft development—helped influence Marcos’ dramatic aerodynamic styling and lightweight engineering philosophy.
The Mantis represented Marcos pushing into true supercar territory during the 1990s, combining outrageous styling with serious V8 performance and hand-built exclusivity.
Marcos remained a true enthusiast’s brand, producing fewer than 3, 000 cars across its lifetime, making surviving examples highly collectible today.
Why This One?
The Marcos Mantis is not a car you see often. In fact, you may go years without seeing another.
This example offers:
Extremely rare UK hand-built performance car
Striking Rolls-Royce Emerald Green finish
Cream leather interior
Ford Mustang Cobra 4. 6 Quad Cam V8
352 bhp performance
Manual gearbox driver engagement
Very tidy cosmetic condition throughout
Excellent wheels, tyres and trim
Appreciating modern classic potential
Huge presence wherever it goes
Summary
If you’re looking for something genuinely different from the usual TVR, Lotus, Porsche or Aston Martin route, this Marcos offers rarity, theatre, V8 performance, and true British specialist car charm in one very exciting package.
A rare opportunity to own one of Britain’s most distinctive hand-built performance cars.
Nationwide delivery available.
