82 replies to this topic

[masermat]

Hello members,

 

I'm looking to find some information about the Jim Diggory 1960 Marcos race car (ex Barry Filler - Jackie Stewart).

who know some history?

 

Here a web lik with some photos where the Marcos #104 is inside the Diggory garage:

 

http://www.hrscc.co.nz/gemini2.html

 

Thank you for the help.

 

Matteo Panini

[raceannouncer2003]

Have you seen this?

 

http://jalopnik.com/...-you-1599787403

 

Vince H.

[masermat]

Dear Vince,

 

yes I've seen this car, but I'm looking to find information about the G128 during the Diggory period.

[Jagjon]

There is  a record of  Jim Diggory finshing 5th at Snetterton in a Marcos-Ford on 9th October 1960, car no 164. no colour details,  but as it is end of season event no record of which  car, but it must  have been an early model.

The car in the photo of a 1961 date shows a white or light coloured car  & more like  the Bill Moss car, there exists  a photo of  this car reg no 150BTM at Old Hall corner at Oulton Park in 1960 leading  the pack with the original prototype reg DFF529  about 5 cars back still on cycle mudguards so maybe early in the season.

150BTM was  next owned by Tom Simpson in 1961.

According to JYS he tested the Stewart factory demonstrator E type Jaguar at Oulton Park in the  Autumn  of 1960 with  Filer present that day, and as the Stewart garage prepared the race cars of Barry Filer, he was offered to drive the Marcos #3 that Barry Filer bought, but he does not say he tested that car at that  test session, but it seems likely they might have as Oulton is close enough to Wrexham, Diggory's garage was  used to preparing race cars so perhaps it was a base for Costin rather than  Dolgellau.

Where did Marcos build the first few cars?

I thought that G128 #3 was dark blue, so is it that car in the photo, but repainted  & did it return to Diggory's workshop?  Stewart was racing other cars later in 1961, his first win was in  April with   the Marcos, he drove it to 4 wins in 1961.

As Diggory had connections  with Frank Costin & at this time had the Costin bodied Lister - Jaguar, did he get involved with preparation of the early Marcos cars or even build them?

Wrexham with the garage facilities was closer to  race tracks than Dolgellau which was 50 miles further West & in  those days  quite a slow journey.

I think  Bill Moss also raced or owned  a  Lister so  was it his car  Diggory used?  

I associate Jim Diggory with Listers Aston & a few larger cars than Marcos, he was a fairly well built guy  to fit into a Marcos.

You would need someone with programs from Aintree, Oulton, & other circuits to check but I don't associate  Jim Diggory with  racing early Marcos, but I'd stand being corrected, maybe some other local guys would remember.

[Jagjon]

I meant to add that I don't rely on JYS recollections of what occurred at Oulton that day if indeed it was 1960   as the Etype was not announced until 1961, & no doubt he was in some other car,  so maybe he was there to test a Marcos before  Barry Filer bought one,  the time lines do not add up  & after  60 years memories fade.  

[Supersox]

Jem told me with some pride that he had managed to get hold of the original invoice which it had been first sold on and had massaged it such that the car which JYS raced and the car which JM raced in the HSCC were materially different.

So as to original specification.......

[TrevJarvis]

I have seen the photo of DFF 529 - the prototype. Are there any more photos or pieces of information out there about this car other than the usual ones found online or in Marcos and Costin books.

[Jagjon]

I have seen the photo of DFF 529 - the prototype. Are there any more photos or pieces of information out there about this car other than the usual ones found online or in Marcos and Costin books.

Article in The Automobile  issue January 2016 volume 33 no 11  by Karl Ludvigsen, words & pictures inc the one at Oulton Park July 1960 with DFF 529 at Old Hall corner lying 6th,  Bill Moss leading in 150 BTM.  plus Another photo of the Ugly Duckling. also a photo of Frank

Costin sitting in a plywood monocoque dated January 1960.

I would presume there must be more photos of this race.       Some of these Picture credits: The Revs Institute for Automobile Research

[TrevJarvis]

Thanks for the reply. It was the article in The Automobile that started my research. I have also had a look at The Revs Institute. If anything more comes to light then please contact me.

[bradbury west]

If it helps your  cause...

With an interest in that race I have checked the programme sheet for the race, and Bill Moss is in car  42, with Jim Diggory  listed  in car 61, the ugly duckling,  Moss with a 997 engine and Diggory with a 948, so presumably a BMC. Jem Marsh is  listed in car  41, another Marcos at 1172cc, all 3 entered by Speedex. REVS galleries show the numbers clearly  for the first 2.

Roger Lund

[TrevJarvis]

Thanks,

It is the Marsh car (DFF 529) that I am interested in. It retained its original nosecone throughout its racing life but lost its roof at some point. It originally had the Ford 100E 1172cc side valve engine.

[Rupertlt1]

See: https://forums.autos...t/#entry8978375

 

I'm on the case.

 

Jem Marsh appeared at the West Essex National Speed Trial, North Weald, Sunday 3 April 1960.

Motor Sport, May 1960, Page 356. 

 

Marcos entered for Mid-Cheshire Motor Club meeting, Oulton Park, Saturday 28 May 1960, but Bill Moss DNS: "engine trouble" in practice

 

Goodwood, 9 July 1960, see DFF 529 at right:

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

"Marsh's prototype side-valve 1172 Marcos was naturally far slower than Moss'." Bill Moss in 150 BTM

 

Oulton Park, Saturday, 23 July 1960

Three cars entered for Bill Moss, Jem Marsh, S.J. Diggory

"Designed by aircraft builder

Frank Costin, and built in the

little Welsh town of Dolgellau,

the Marcos is a two-seater

covered car with room for

luggage."

Bill Moss, (Luton), class winner, up to 1000 c.c., 68.92 m.p.h.

 

Bill Moss was a class winner at August Bank Holiday Brands Hatch, 10-lap Wrotham Trophy race for GT cars.

 

Oulton Park, 1 October 1960

"Diggory had the satisfaction of

winning the Formula Libre 10 lap

scratch race with the Lister Jaguar-

with Colin Escott aboard-but he

had no luck with his Frank Costin

designed Marcos which had to be

withdrawn from two races with fan

belt trouble. Costin, who was to have

driven, had his own private troubles.

The Dolgellan engineer appeared on

the track with his left arm in a sling

a sequel to the Marcos engine dropp-

on his arm when it was being

fitted on the previous evening."

 

S. J. DIGGORY

MOTORS LTD.

Area Main Dealers and Distributors for: Borgward, T.V.R., Fiat, Volvo

PART EXCHANGES

FULL SPARES SERVICE

IMPERIAL GARAGE

RHOSTYLLEN

Phone: Wrexham 2154

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 16 January 2020 - 00:41.

[Rupertlt1]

Wood-body

car races at

Kirkistown

A MARCOS G.T. car with the

body and chassis con-

structed entirely of wood, and

designed by Frank Costin, well

known for his work on aero-

dynamic bodies, will be appear-

ing at the Kirkistown airfield

course on Saturday.

This is the most technically

interesting car of the entry list of 65.

It is entered by the well-known

English Ford exponent, J. E. M.

Marsh, of Luton.

Costin has high hopes of this car.

This will be its first competition

appearance.

Belfast Telegraph, Tuesday 24 May 1960

 

500 M.R.C. of Ireland, 28 May 1960

With the car of Bill Moss DNS at Oulton Park, did the car race at Kirkistown?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 08 January 2020 - 21:26.

[Rupertlt1]

Here is a stinker - among this set of photographs are ones taken with Frank Costin in Dolgellau in January 1960:

 

https://library.revs...EARCHALL=Marcos

 

But where were they taken? An extensive surf on streetview has turned up nothing? Does anybody have any clues?

 

He seems to have a large lockup garage here:

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

RGDS RLT

[Rupertlt1]

Wood-body

car races at

Kirkistown

A MARCOS G.T. car with the

body and chassis con-

structed entirely of wood, and

designed by Frank Costin, well

known for his work on aero-

dynamic bodies, will be appear-

ing at the Kirkistown airfield

course on Saturday.

This is the most technically

interesting car of the entry list of 65.

It is entered by the well-known

English Ford exponent, J. E. M.

Marsh, of Luton.

Costin has high hopes of this car.

This will be its first competition

appearance.

Belfast Telegraph, Tuesday 24 May 1960

 

500 M.R.C. of Ireland, 28 May 1960

With the car of Bill Moss DNS at Oulton Park, did the car race at Kirkistown?

 

RGDS RLT

 

Richard Page reports:

 

Autosport, 24 June p869

ULSTER TOPICS

Kirkistown

“… there was disappointment when it was announced that … the Marcos… had not arrived”

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 09 January 2020 - 17:20.

[Geoff E]

But where were they taken? An extensive surf on streetview has turned up nothing? Does anybody have any clues?

 

 

 

Here https://www.google.c...!7i13312!8i6656

 

See also here https://dolgellau.co...tion/lion-yard/

Edited by Geoff E, 09 January 2020 - 17:44.

[Rupertlt1]

Here https://www.google.c...!7i13312!8i6656

 

See also here https://dolgellau.co...tion/lion-yard/

 

Geoff E: Your clues led me here:

 

http://www.firestati...old -2 1976.JPG

 

See also: http://www.firestati...7&lon=-3.887248

 

Brilliant! Tidy!

 

So photo background with large lockup garage is Fire Station, Lion Yard, Dolgellau. Is the building still there?

Seems it was demolished after 1976 (when the picture was taken).

Was Costin in the adjacent building (to the left) as the fire station was still active in 1960?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 09 January 2020 - 21:31.

[Geoff E]

There's a 1950 aerial view of the town here - https://www.britainf...image/WAW031472

 

The yard is just "below" the church.  If you register with the site, you can zoom in to get a fair level of detail (not that there's anything relevant to this thread that was visible in 1950).

[Rupertlt1]

So when was the circuit racing debut of the Marcos GT?

According to a report Bill Moss rushed away from Oulton Park, Saturday 28 May 1960, after DNS to repair the car for another event.

So presumably shortly thereafter?

 

See: https://www.racingsp.../Marcos/GT.html

 

Goodwood, B.A.R.C 42nd Members Meeting, 9 July 1960

Event 6-Five lap scratch for Non-supercharged sports cars up to 1,000 c.c. o.h.v. and 1200 s.v.:

1. J. A. Murrell (D.R.W.-Ford) 9 mins 18.2 secs. 77.40 m.p.h.

2. Bill Moss (Marcos) 9 mins 22.2 secs

3. Mrs B. Naylor (Driver, G.A. Naylor), (Austin Healey Sprite) 9 mins 24.8 secs 

4. A. R. Wershat (Lolita-Ford) 9 mins 43 secs

Fastest lap: J. A. Murrell (D.R.W.-Ford) 1 min 48.2 sec, 79.85 m.p.h.

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 10 January 2020 - 13:13.

[Geoff E]

The Daily Mirror of 30th May 1960, under "Yesterday's Sports Summary" has

 

W Moss (Marcos GT) winning Class A of Sports Cars under 1000cc at Brands Hatch at 66.79 mph

[Rupertlt1]

The Daily Mirror of 30th May 1960, under "Yesterday's Sports Summary" has

 

W Moss (Marcos GT) winning Class A of Sports Cars under 1000cc at Brands Hatch at 66.79 mph

 

The only man who could have beaten him to it was Jem Marsh, who had all of April and May to do it?

 

RGDS RLT

[bradbury west]

The Daily Mirror of 30th May 1960, under "Yesterday's Sports Summary" has
 
W Moss (Marcos GT) winning Class A of Sports Cars under 1000cc at Brands Hatch at 66.79 mph

That fits with my DRW records for Jack Murrell, 2nd to Moss after a careful start, with Jack taking fastest lap again.
Roger Lund

Are those Mirror records via their website or is there a particular link?

[Geoff E]

Are those Mirror records via their website or is there a particular link?

 

It was on FindMyPast ... which appears to be an "outlet" for the British Newspaper Archive. 

 

https://www.britishn...rarchive.co.uk/

 

There is a Try it for FREE link at the bottom of the page.

[Rupertlt1]

There were race meetings at Brands Hatch:

18 April 1960, BRSCC 

30 April 1960, Jaguar DC & AMOC

29 May 1960, BRSCC

 

Snetterton

24 April 1960, BRSCC

 

RGDS RLT 

Edited by Rupertlt1, 10 January 2020 - 18:36.

[Tim Murray]

The Dennis Ortenburger Costin biography Flying on Four Wheels is disappointingly vague about dates. It records Frank’s premises in Dolgellau as ‘an old stone walled coach house in back of the Lion Hotel. It had no windows, a cobble stone floor which sloped in at all sides to a drain in the centre and two huge ill-fitting doors’. This had been found for him by his in-laws, who also provided a 7 ft by 12 ft mobile office when the coach house proved too cold to do design work in. The in-laws later (unspecified) made available some land at Gardden on which Frank built a workshop.

The book is also annoyingly vague on the early racing record. All it says is:

The first production Marcos was delivered to Bill Moss fitted with a Cosworth tuned 1,000 cc Ford engine. While Marsh had been racing the prototype with some success Moss scored nine consecutive wins beginning with his first time out. He also captured five lap records.

[Rupertlt1]

Above suggests that Costin was in the premises behind him in this photograph?

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

Does this building survive?

 

RGDS RLT

[Tim Murray]

One thing the Ortenburger book is absolutely clear on is that the caption on many of those Revs Institute photos (‘Marcos plywood monocoque GT designed by Frank Costin and constructed by Jem Marsh’) is incorrect. Frank did the design and most of the construction of the first monocoque all by himself, working some 20 hours a day until he ended up ill from overwork. He then took on Dennis Adams to help complete the construction. When the chassis was complete Jem Marsh was summoned to Dolgellau, bringing with him the engine and suspension components, and he and several others then assisted Frank and Dennis with the car’s final assembly.

[Rupertlt1]

Thanks to Roger Lund we now have:

 

https://www.marcosxy...-race-programs/

 

Note Brands Hatch, 29 May 1960, BRSCC - #165 Marsh and #164 Moss.

 

Does anybody have a race report?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 11 January 2020 - 15:34.

[Rupertlt1]

So there were nine Marcos Xylon cars - what were they?

 

Jem Marsh, DFF 529

Bill Moss > Tommy Simpson 150 BTM

S.J. Diggory etc?— G 128, chassis MONO 1003   

John Sutton, 8853 JH, chassis MONO 1004  

Julian Sutton, 80 SNK (driven by John Sutton?)

Gordon Jones, 888 BYE, Coventry Climax motor

 

Which car was wrecked by Chris McLaren, 7 September 1963, at Crystal Palace?

There is a photograph of this accident by Ted Lewis, see B.A.R.C. Gazette, April 1965, Page 14.

The car of John Mitchell would make eight?

 

There is more from 1961: https://forums.autos...2/#entry7766985

#114 D.A.N. Byrne, Marcos D.K.W. 3cyl 980 Blue - WCA 698

 

RGDS RLT  

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 20:43.

[RobMk2a]

Article in The Automobile  issue January 2016 volume 33 no 11  by Karl Ludvigsen, words & pictures inc the one at Oulton Park July 1960 with DFF 529 at Old Hall corner lying 6th,  Bill Moss leading in 150 BTM.  plus Another photo of the Ugly Duckling. also a photo of Frank

Costin sitting in a plywood monocoque dated January 1960.

I would presume there must be more photos of this race.       Some of these Picture credits: The Revs Institute for Automobile Research

 

I have a photo of the cycle winged Marcos No 61 at this meeting (looks like it is fitted with Twin Webers) - does anyone know who was entered in a TVR No. 57. I think it is 23rd July 1960. Thank you Rob 

[Rupertlt1]

Aintree, B.A.R.C. 14th Members Meeting, 8th June 1963

Event 2—7-lap Handicap Race (B)

1st—D. Rees (Marcos GT) 9 min 31.0 sec 77.10 mph

2nd—N. Surtees (Lotus Elite) 9 min 49.0 sec

3rd—T.J. Lalonde (Marcos GT) 9 min 49.4 sec

4th—G.W. John (Marcos GT) 9 min 49.6 sec

Fastest lap: A.P. Chambers (Lotus Elite) 1 min 12.2 sec, 81.77 m.p.h.

Source: B.A.R.C. Gazette, August 1963, Page 136.

 

RGDS RLT

[Rupertlt1]

Oulton Park, B.A.R.C. 6th Members Meeting, 11th August 1962, 2.761 miles circuit

"Graham John, of Chester

(Marcos-Ford) won in his class

and had fastest lap in two

events."

Event 2—5-lap Handicap Race (B):

1st—B. Barr (T.V.R. Grantura), 12 min 26.4 sec

2nd—Lord Cross (Daimler SP250), 12 min 26.8 sec

3rd—G.H.F. Parkes (Jaguar 3.8), 12 min 33.4 sec

4th—G.W. John (Marcos-Ford), 12 min 43.0 sec

Fastest lap: G.W. John (Marcos-Ford) 2 min 18.6 sec 71.71 m.p.h.

"This race was run in driving rain."

Event 7—5-lap Scratch Race (For Grand Touring Cars and Sports Cars up to 1000 c.c.)

Grand Touring Cars:

1st—G.W. John (Marcos-Ford), 11 min 07.6 sec, 74.44 m.p.h.

2nd—M.H. White (Turner B.M.C.), 11 min 25.6 sec

3rd—D.C. Alderson (Driver: R. Ashcroft) (T.V.R. Grantura-Ford), 11 min 31.6 sec

Fastest lap: G.W. John (Marcos-Ford) 2 min 11.8 sec, 75.41 m.p.h.

 

Grahame John in another report.

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 12 January 2020 - 14:05.

[Rupertlt1]

Racing car for auction

A CAR with wooden chassis which set racing legend Jackie Stewart on the road to fame and fortune is expected to fetch up to £25,000 at an auction.

The Marcos GT Sports Racing Coupe, one of only six built, goes under the hammer at Brooks car auction at London’s Olympia on February 22. Jem Marsh, founder and chairman of the Marcos Company, delivered the innovative car by road to Glasgow in 1960.

The car, with its frog-eyed front, gull-wing doors, notchback rear window and fourpiece windscreen, was raced by Stewart at tracks including Charterhall in 1961 and 1962. The competition stood him in good stead when he stepped up to Formula 1, where he was world champion in 1969, 1971 and 1973, winning 27 Grand Prix races.

After heading south of the border in the early 1960s it was crashed by a new owner, only to be rediscovered in London by Mr Marsh.

He restored it to former glory and it went on to win for its creator three sports car championships between 1978 and 1984. Mr Marsh said: “Although it hasn’t got the Lotus or Ferrari name, It Is a unique car. It’s the only one left of that shape.

After I spotted the crashed car under a tarpaulin I bought it back for £250. But I must have spent £20,000 on It over the years.’’

Aberdeen Press and Journal, Tuesday 11 February 1997

 

Could this be the #74 car crashed by Chris McLaren, 7 September 1963, at Crystal Palace?

(Other entries in this race #65 Ecurie Freeze, dvr Jackie Oliver, Marcos GT 1340c.c.; #70 G.M. Jones, Marcos GT, 1216 c.c.)

Found in London, not far away? It must have been in a state for £250?

 

A different photograph of the accident appeared in The People, Sunday 8th September 1963, Page 9. 

 

RGDS RLT 

Edited by Rupertlt1, 12 January 2020 - 18:41.

[Rupertlt1]

Oulton Park, B.A.R.C. National Spring Meeting for Sports Cars and Supporting Events, Saturday 6th April 1963

Grand touring cars (19 laps):

1.— T. Taylor (Lotus Elite) 38m 22.6s

2.— D.C. Alderson (Lotus Elite)

3.— C. McLaren (Marcos Ford)

Fastest lap: Taylor, 1m 56.8s, 85.10 m.p.h.

 

Where was McLaren from? Scottish connection?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 12 January 2020 - 17:31.

[Rupertlt1]

Chris McLaren is in a Marcos in 1964, but not a Xylon:

 

Goodwood, B.A.R.C., 14th March 1964

Grand Touring cars:

1.— J.E. Miles (Turner Ford) 77.18 m.p.h

2.— C. McLaren (Marcos)

3.— S. Scrimgeour (Turner Ford)

 

Brands Hatch, BRSCC, 4th October 1964

REDEX Grand Touring Trophy

#143 C.M. McLaren, Marcos-Ford, 997 c.c.

 

Mostly entered by Park Garage (Watford) Ltd. in 1964.

 

RGDS RLT 

Edited by Rupertlt1, 12 January 2020 - 20:45.

[Rupertlt1]

Barry Filer was entered at Charterhall, Sunday 23 April 1961:

Event 3—Sports cars up to 1600 c.c. other than Climax

#61 B. Filer, Marcus (sic) 990 c.c.

Finished third.

Charterhall, Sunday 2 July 1961:

Event 3—10-laps

#35 B. Filer, Marcos 1172 c.c.

Charterhall, Sunday 2 July 1961:

Event 5—Grand Touring and Specials

#48 J. Stewart, 997 Marcos

Charterhall, Sunday 24 September 1961:

Event 3—Sports cars up to 1600 c.c. other than Climax

#27 J. Stewart, Marcos 997

 

https://charterhall....y.com/1961.html

 

Are we saying that this is the ex-Diggory car? Do we have any evidence?

 

RGDS RLT

 

Edited by Rupertlt1, 13 January 2020 - 14:46.

[Rupertlt1]

Charterhall, Berwickshire, Winfield Joint Committee, Sunday 29 April 1962

Sports cars up to 1600 c.c.

1st— J. Stewart, Glasgow, (Marcos) speed 76.17 mph

2nd— G. Durham, Yarm, (Porsche Carrera)

3rd— T. D. Simpson, Kirkcaldy, (Marcos)

Fastest lap: Stewart, 77.4 mph

Sports cars up to 1300 c.c. Climax engines

1st— N. Ferrier (Lola Climax) speed 82.81 mph

2nd— J. S. Slater (Lotus 23)

3rd— Marquis of Clydesdale (Lola)

Fastest lap: Ferrier, 84.50 mph

Up to 1300 c.c. grand touring cars

1st— Julian Sutton, Corbridge (Lotus Elite)

2nd— W. A. Thompson, Allendale (Lotus Elite) 711 HJH

3rd— J. Stewart, (Marcos) G 128

 

https://www.racingsp...Simpson-GB.html

 

Tommy Simpson ex-Bill Moss car.

 

See Newcastle Journal, Monday 30 April 1962; Autosport, May 11, 1962

 

What is the origin of 'G 128' registration? Registered in Glasgow?

 

RGDS RLT   

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 20:37.

[Rupertlt1]

Charterhall, Sunday 7 October 1962

Grand touring cars

1st— J.Y. Stewart, Dumbarton, 80.8 mph

2nd— W.A. Thompson, Allendale

3rd— R.C. Martin, Newton Mearns

Sports cars

1st— J.H. Blades, Tynemouth (B.B.X. Climax) 83.5 mph

2nd— J.S. Slater, Creetown

3rd— J.Y. Stewart

 

So the question is what happened to 'G 128' at the end of the 1962 season?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 03:57.

[Rupertlt1]

Silverstone, B.R.D.C., 6 May 1961

5 Laps Scratch (sports cars up to 1200 c.c.)

1. J. Derisley (Lotus-Ford) 80.56 mph

2. H. W. Epps (Lotus-Ford)

3. J. Sutton (Marcos-Ford)

Fastest lap: Epps, 84.37 mph

 

RGDS RLT

[marclaus]

Can someone tell me more about this car, Tavenor Ford of 1968, raced by Raymond Nash , was a works Marcos in its life before. Picture is taken at 1000km Nurburgring 1968.

Edited by marclaus, 14 January 2020 - 09:15.

[Tim Murray]

Here’s the story, as told by the builder:

http://www.tavenor.me.uk/index.html

[Rupertlt1]

Snetterton, 17 March 1963

"The G.T. event was split into two races owing to the large entry

(49). The first race was won by C.M. McLaren in an early Marcos

followed by Bloomfield's Diva."

Motor Sport, April 1963, Page 228

 

Reposted from above:

Oulton Park, B.A.R.C. National Spring Meeting for Sports Cars and Supporting Events, Saturday 6th April 1963

Grand touring cars (19 laps):

1.— T. Taylor (Lotus Elite) 38m 22.6s

2.— D.C. Alderson (Lotus Elite)

3.— C. McLaren (Marcos Ford)

Fastest lap: Taylor, 1m 56.8s, 85.10 m.p.h.

 

RGDS RLT

[Rupertlt1]

Hello members,

 

I'm looking to find some information about the Jim Diggory 1960 Marcos race car (ex Barry Filler - Jackie Stewart).

who know some history?

 

Here a web lik with some photos where the Marcos #104 is inside the Diggory garage:

 

http://www.hrscc.co.nz/gemini2.html

 

Thank you for the help.

 

Matteo Panini

 

"Everything goes back to the beginning."

 

The pictures of the #104 light-coloured Marcos in the Diggory shop must date from 1961, as they show the Diggory-Gwyniad FJ.

If we are to believe the legend of 'G 128' it was originally a dark-coloured cycle-winged car driven by Jim Diggory in 1960.

There were two cycle-winged cars shown here at Oulton Park, 23 July 1960, Diggory and Marsh:

 

Diggory #61, note no visible reg number

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

Marsh here running sixth in DFF 529

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

At some point prior to 23 April 1961 the Diggory car must have been fitted with an all-enveloping bonnet and delivered to Scotland by Jem Marsh in time for Barry Filer to race the car at Charterhall?

 

So the #104 workshop pictures from 1961 are not 'G 128' - by this time painted dark blue.

They are a 'red herring' although it would be good to know what they do show?

Is it the car of John Mitchell - light car with stripe - here:

 

https://historicmarc.../john-mitchell/

 

RGDS RLT 

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 20:20.

[Rupertlt1]

If it helps your  cause...

With an interest in that race I have checked the programme sheet for the race, and Bill Moss is in car  42, with Jim Diggory  listed  in car 61, the ugly duckling,  Moss with a 997 engine and Diggory with a 948, so presumably a BMC. Jem Marsh is  listed in car  41, another Marcos at 1172cc, all 3 entered by Speedex. REVS galleries show the numbers clearly  for the first 2.

Roger Lund

 

We also have the Diggory car with a B.M.C. motor? We now have an engine swap and a new bonnet to make it the Filer/Stewart car?

 

Oddly from Snetterton, S.M.R.C., Sunday 30th August 1964, Event 3:

A Ten Lap scratch race for Special Grand Touring Cars

#48 N. Holmes (Dvr N. Holmes) Marcos G.T., 948 c.c., Blk/Wht

(#50 P. Creasey (Dvr P. Creasey) Marcos G.T., 1098 c.c., Blue)  

 

See: https://www.progcove...erton640830.pdf

 

He is Neville Holmes:

 

https://historicmarc...totype-dff-529/

 

Peter Creasey.

 

RGDS RLT  

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 21:06.

[Rupertlt1]

Marcos random sightings:

 

Oulton Park, B.A.R.C. Spring Meeting, 7 April 1962

Grand Touring car race (up to 1,000c.c. 10 laps, 27½ miles):

1.— E. L. Hine (Marcos Ford). 23m. 20.2s., 70.98 m.p.h.;

2.— G. Palmer (G.S.M. Delta Ford), 23m. 31.6s.;

3.— G. W. John (Marcos Ford). 24m. 17.0s.

Fastest lap: Hine. 2m. 17.6s. 72.24 m.p.h.

 

Crystal Palace, B.R.S.C.C., Saturday September 1st 1962

#47 S.J.C. Minoprio Marcos GT 997

#48 Equipe Rouge (Dvr T. Weber) Marcos GT 997

#54 G.W. John Marcos GT 997

 

Grahame W. John was from Chester.

8th O/A on the R.A.C. Rally, 1968 (provisional results, some say 10th)

#70 G.W. John/I.C. Harwood, Ford Cortina Lotus Mk II

 

Weston-Super-Mare national SPEED TRIALS, 1 October 1966

#67 M. Carroll, Frome, Marcos Spyder, 1098

Is this DFF 529?

 

See: https://historicmarc...totype-dff-529/

 

Where was the racing picture #154 taken?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 14 January 2020 - 20:07.

[RobMk2a]

"Everything goes back to the beginning."

 

The pictures of the #104 light-coloured Marcos in the Diggory shop must date from 1961, as they show the Diggory-Gwyniad FJ.

If we are to believe the legend of 'G 128' it was originally a dark-coloured cycle-winged car driven by Jim Diggory in 1960.

There were two cycle-winged cars shown here at Oulton Park, 23 July 1960, Diggory and Marsh:

 

Diggory #61, note no visible reg number

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

Marsh here running sixth in DFF 529

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

At some point prior to 23 April 1961 the Diggory car must have been fitted with an all-enveloping bonnet and delivered to Scotland by Jem Marsh in time for Barry Filer to race the car at Charterhall?

 

So the #104 workshop pictures from 1961 are not 'G 128' - by this time painted dark blue.

They are a 'red herring' although it would be good to know what they do show?

Is it the car of John Mitchell - light car with stripe - here:

 

https://historicmarc.../john-mitchell/

 

RGDS RLT 

It would be great to see the entry list for 23rd July 1960 at Oulton Park if anyone has it. 

 

Thanks 

 

Rob 

[Rupertlt1]

Oulton Park, 6th B.A.R.C. Members' Meeting, 11 August 1962

Grand Touring cars:

1st—G.W. John (Marcos-Ford) 11m 07.6s, 74.44 mph

2nd—M.H. White (Turner B.M.C.) 11m 25.6s

3rd—D.C. Alderson (Dvr R. Ashcroft) (T.V.R. Grantura Ford) 11m 31.6s

Fastest lap: John, 2m 11.8s, 75.41 mph

 

What car was Grahame John driving? He keeps turning up but no sightings?

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 15 January 2020 - 13:50.

[Rupertlt1]

Where did Marcos build the first few cars?

 

 

Chassis plate 1003 has the address:

Marcos Cars Ltd., Quartermasters Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, England

 

This location here?

 

https://library.revs...ion=p17257coll1

 

Some sources link Jem Marsh to Luton? Where?

 

Address in 1965:

Marcos Cars Ltd., Greenland Mills, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, England

 

DFF 529 is a Merionethshire registration.

 

Factory in some Nissen huts at some point? 

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 16 January 2020 - 15:54.

[Rupertlt1]

Seems there was a light coloured Xylon with registration 759 DBM #73. A Bedfordshire registration.

Seen on Pinterest, distinguished by lack of rear arch extension, longitudinal protective rail above wheel arch.

Photographed outside a shop in Windsor Street. An interim car.

 

https://historicmarc...ter.com/759dbm/

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 15 January 2020 - 17:15.

[Rupertlt1]

This is a Marcos must:

 

ECMC Snetterton Circuit, 19th June 1960

 

 

#117, Bill Moss, 150 BTM, running with cycle wings (who knew?), race winner; a bright red DFF 529 in the paddock but not featuring in Event 1 (but I think started).

 

RGDS RLT

Edited by Rupertlt1, 15 January 2020 - 18:57.