Tests and Reports

In an article "The Marauder" the magazine 'Motor Sport' writes about the first impressions during the ride in the new sports car.

Source: Motor Sport, issue September 1950

On August 15th we journeyed to Dorridge for a pre-view of the Marauder, which is not a bomber aircraft, but a new fast tourer built round Rover „75“ components by Wilks, Mackie & Co., Ltd.

The appearance of this aerodynamic three-abreast-seater is pleasing, and the finish notably good. The chassis is shorter than the standard Rover and the engine has a 7.6 to 1 compression-ratio, stronger valve spring action and a Servais silencer; 80 b.h.p. is claimed at 4,200 r.p.m. and the prototype weighs about 23 cwt. - this is not intended to be competition car as such, and the price is the reasonable one of £950.

A short run showed up excellent road-holding and cornering qualities, the suspension having been somewhat stiffened. A remote-control gear lever is retained, but this is biased towards the driver and thus hardly interferes with entry and exit, an excellent idea, and a nice reply to the growing use of a steering-column appendage. The customer can have overdrive or free-wheel to choice and we know what our choice would be. The overdrive operates in any gear, giving eight forward speeds; 80 m.p.h. at 3,100 r.p.m. is claimed in overdrive top. Normal top is 4.3 to 1, and the other ratios 5.82, 8.24 and 14.5 to 1. The Dunlops are 600-15.

There is good luggage space behind the seat, but access to this is via the cockpit, entailing possible alteration of the seat adjustment and chaffing of the hood. It would seem better to have retained the lift-up lid of the Rover boot, especially as this same boot, sans lid, is employed. They see no reason at Dorridge for fitting a rev.-counter; there are arguments for and against, of course. The sidescreens are very well designed, offering coupé comfort when erect.

The company aims to build ten Marauders by the end of this year and to offer early delivery.

- W.B.