It’s Not a Shoe: 1962 Marcos GT Xylon For Sale
Image: Silverstone Auctions
This unusual machine features a chassis made out of plywood, gull wing doors and a high cockpit designed for tall drivers. It seems a bit wacky, but it was plenty competitive and was the machine that gave one Sir Jackie Stewart his first racing successes.
Marcos Sportscars was founded by BRDC member and racer Jem Marsh and engineer Frank Costlin at the close of the ’50s, and the first machine out of their workshop was the Marcos GT Xylon.
Nine Xylons were built, with this car easily the most famous. It was originally powered by an 1137cc pushrod engine and, thanks to its wooden chassis, was very light – making it a very successful racer.
After a test with Jackie Stewart at Oulton Park in 1960, Barry Filer bought this Xylon for the 1962 season and had Jackie drive it. First in Sports Cars up to 1600cc and 1st in GT Unlimited at Charterhall was followed by third at Bo’ness Hill Climb and great pace throughout the season.
It’s been resting in storage since production ceased at the Marcos factory, and is offered as is and in need of a full resto and racing preparation.
Its unusual nature and history with Jackie Stewart make it a very interesting car indeed, and we hope to see it picked up and returned to racing glory.
The car will head to auction at Silverstone Auctions’ upcoming Silverstone Classic Sale on the 26th of July, 2014. Head to the official website here for more information.
Images via Silverstone Auctions
