Tests and Reports

Marauder - A sporty, fast touring car developed from the Rover 75 for 3 persons

Wilks, Mackie, & Company Limited., on the 15th August, 1950

Source: Automobil Revue, Switzerland, number 36 of August 16, 1950

England, the classic land of sports cars, produces from time to time a vehicle that interrupts everyday automobile technology. Very often these companies are backed by young people who replace enthusiasm with the material resources they lack.

Such a "new" company is the Wilks, Mackie & Co. Ltd. near Birmingham, which was founded at the beginning of the year to build a sports car called'Marauder' (='Robber'). It is largely based on the Rover 75, a renowned mid-range car whose counter-rotating, high-performance six-cylinder engine has to spur every fan of modern engine construction on to development work. The managers of the small company made a name for themselves last year when they developed a racing car from an ordinary Rover limousine that performed well at various smaller sports events.

As the illustrations (note: not adopted) show, the people who developed the 'Marauder' have succeeded in building a car that takes a new direction under the English cars in terms of line and appearance. Designed as a two to three-seater touring car with high speed potential, it is one of the sporty versions derived from normal designs, which nevertheless meet the wishes of the small minority of motorists who enjoy driving themselves without too much expense. The engine and the power transmission were taken over from the Rover 75. By increasing the compression from 7.2: 1 to 7.6: 1, the maximum power of the 2.1-litre six-cylinder engine has increased from just under 75 to around 80 bhp. The transmission is shifted from a short central lever to the left of the driver, and the freewheel is replaced by an overdrive with a transmission ratio of 1.44: 1. The engine is located much further back in the chassis than with the Rover, as the body has only one row of seats. The wheelbase was shortened from 2.82 m to 2.59 m. The rear suspension with rigid axle and semi-elliptical springs as well as the independent front suspension (long wishbones and coil springs) are also from Rover.

Although the body was built as an open roadster, it has an unusually well closing top. Its instruments and fittings are arranged similar to those of the Rover, but instead of the rectangular dials those are used in a round and clearer form. The seat arrangement, the position of the steering wheel and the operating levers follow the usual design for sporty vehicles, but the body is luxuriously built and carefully crafted. The car has excellent lines and the body looks long and low with the emphasis of the horizontal bottom end. Some stampings of the normal Rover body could be used without changes.

The'Marauder' was presented to the English public yesterday Tuesday. The 'AR' had the opportunity to test drive the first copy of the new brand on Swiss roads for about 150 km. The low and manoeuvrable two-seater proved to be a sporty vehicle with very good driving characteristics. The two-litre engine gives the vehicle a healthy temperament and the cruising speed between 100 and 120 km/h is quickly reached. The engine seems to be even more agile than in touring cars, so that speeds of almost 80 and over 100 km/h (according to counter) can be achieved in second and third gear. The maximum speed should be between 145 and 150 kmh. The fast speed allows a considerable reduction of the speed; the engine only rotates at 3000 rpm at a speed of 125 kmh. Direct and precise steering, excellent visibility of the road and rapid acceleration make the'Marauder' a fast and agile vehicle, especially in mixed terrain.

The company, which begins with small funds, will initially build a pre-series of 10 vehicles to reach about 50 vehicles in 1951. An increase in the stroke volume to about 2.6 litres is planned for later, which will increase the braking power to about 100 hp. The retail price of the car in England without tax is £950.