Search Car Reviews



See all makes

Marlin Sportster TOi

Yes, this really is a brand new car. Devon-based Marlin has been hand-building sportsters for more than 24 years. Its latest offering - the TOi - is claimed to be in the style of a pre-war grand prix car, yet from the front it looks like a classic American hot-rod! The side view displays the familiar retro Marlin styling, although a course of steroids has made the swooping curves a lot more muscular.

By Owen Mildenhall

June 2003

Yes, this really is a brand new car. Devon-based Marlin has been hand-building sportsters for more than 24 years. Its latest offering - the TOi - is claimed to be in the style of a pre-war grand prix car, yet from the front it looks like a classic American hot-rod! The side view displays the familiar retro Marlin styling, although a course of steroids has made the swooping curves a lot more muscular.

The Sportster can be bought as a kit or a finished model with Ford or Rover engines, although the car we drove was fitted with the 3.0-litre straight-six unit from the previous-generation BMW M3. While the ride is relaxing, the downside of the soft suspension is plenty of body roll through the corners. Yet with more than 300bhp on tap, the tail can be provoked into a slide with ease.

The smooth five-speed BMW gearbox feels as good as it did in the M3, while the non-anti-lock brakes provide adequate stopping power - should you ever want to stop, that is.

Tell us about your car in our Driver Power survey.

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

0 Comment

Be the first to comment on this article

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

Sponsored Results

FIRST OPINION

    It's great to see hand-built British sports cars still being made. The Marlin may not be to everyone's tastes, but it's still a well built and unique machine.
 
- Advertisement -