Marlin take a motor racing line to beat credit crunch
(as reported in The Gazette)
Crediton Sports Car Co
mpany has diversified into motor racing in a bid to beat the credit crunch.
Terry Matthews, sales director for Marlin Cars, said: “We like to think we’ve been innovative about the credit crunch. We saw a down turn coming and, as luxury items such as cars are always going to be the first thing to go, we diversified into motor racing”
Marlin, which has been involved in racing for a number of years, now looks after other people’s cars, storing them, taking them to races, maintaining them and preparing them. This season Team Marlin was racing bright green EXi’s installed with 20v Volkswagen Turbo engines, in the Castle Combe Special GT Championship.
Marlin produces two sports cars each very different both in terms of style and engine options. The 5EXi is a light weight; mid-engined sports cars powered by VW, Honda or Rover series engines. With its spaceframe chassis, upwards of 450bhp, and independent wishbone suspension, the Marlin 5EXi has been called the modern alternative to the Westfield and Caterham seven. The Marlin Sportster is a car that appeals to the more discerning person with its 1930 style it’s very reminiscent of the original Alfa’s. However this car has been brought right up to date with its semi-
monoque chassis and BMW engine options.
All kit cars have to pass a Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) Test to ensure it has been built to a standard high enough to be roadworthy. Terry added: “It’s up to us to provide the customer with a good manual and top quality IVA compliant parts which we know will pass the test”.
The new emphasis on racing led the Marlin team to organise days for spectators and drivers to gain track experience. The company themselves have a racing team which takes part in various events and races. Terry said: “We try and organise a few track days. Everyone is having to cut back, some people are in a more fortunate position then others, but everyone needs to still add a bit of excitement to their lives occasionally. If you want to survive then those are the people to look after. While the credit crunch is going on we are maintaining good contact with all our customers and ensuring they know we are still about.