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In the forum a few months ago it was stated there was a Roadster incorrectly advertised on eBay. I am the (lucky) person that bought it!
So that others may have a brief snapshot my cars began with an Isetta 500 followed by Morris Minors: split screen saloon, saloon and travellers followed by Heralds: saloon and convertible and then Escorts: Mk1 and Mk2 before sensibility and children meant a Peugeot 505 estate. Now many years and cars later at retirement, although frightfully busy in many other areas, I needed to get back to real motoring!
Through much research on the web, often within this forum, I decided that a Marlin Roadster would be an excellent option. Through patience and then opportunity I secured the roadster from the south of the county in April 2012. The 'county' is Somerset and I notice there are (numerous) other members close by!
After prolonged ‘angst’ I have completed the process of getting it correctly registered as a ‘Marlin’ rather than a ‘Merlin’ as originally advertised and stated on the V5! The DVLA was a little obstructive but fortunately amongst the old tax discs (the only paperwork I have on the vehicle) was a 1999 disc entitling it as a ‘Marlin’.
The car’s registration number is OUR 905L and I would be most interested if it has a history. It does not appear in the ‘Definitive List of Trials Prepared Marlins’ although it may well be one whose registration is unknown.
It was quite clearly set up for trialling with 14” wheels and deep tread tyres, unquestionably illegal, and high suspension. However, although the interior needs a great deal of tlc, mechanically and externally it is in very good condition. I started the ‘tlc’ from the back working towards the front: painting underneath and the interior, new lubrication, battery and plugs. On my arrival at the front the engine started, with much coaxing which included a new coil, and runs very smoothly. I then retraced my steps towards the back only to find that the clutch slave cylinder needed repair. After much dismantling (how much is the gap between gearbox and driver’s bulkhead supposed to be?) and reassembling it was ready for an MOT on 1st June, the first since 2009. (I had hit my deadline.) The MOT failure was due, in the main, to poor, uneven brakes. A quick dismantle and clean gave me high hopes for the re-test but again it failed due to a greater unevenness of the braking system although all were showing better performance. June and July are historically very busy months so not until August could I completely disassemble the brakes, fit new components and make good again. And so at the end of August it has passed its MOT.
I am sure members will be interested to know that it has an 1800tc ‘B series’ engine (although there is a cast “O” on the rear of the head!) with a four speed gearbox linked to a 4.55:1 differential with 4.5” pcd securing 14” wheels. Pointing, again, towards a trialling background.
Am I correct in thinking there are few Roadsters with this set up still out there? Is it Ital based?
Insurance and licensing will follow shortly but again, historically, September is a busy month so the planned full interior update, including a new dashboard and wiring loom (possibly) will not be immediate. But at least I will be able to drive it in what is left of the summer!
Brian
So that others may have a brief snapshot my cars began with an Isetta 500 followed by Morris Minors: split screen saloon, saloon and travellers followed by Heralds: saloon and convertible and then Escorts: Mk1 and Mk2 before sensibility and children meant a Peugeot 505 estate. Now many years and cars later at retirement, although frightfully busy in many other areas, I needed to get back to real motoring!
Through much research on the web, often within this forum, I decided that a Marlin Roadster would be an excellent option. Through patience and then opportunity I secured the roadster from the south of the county in April 2012. The 'county' is Somerset and I notice there are (numerous) other members close by!
After prolonged ‘angst’ I have completed the process of getting it correctly registered as a ‘Marlin’ rather than a ‘Merlin’ as originally advertised and stated on the V5! The DVLA was a little obstructive but fortunately amongst the old tax discs (the only paperwork I have on the vehicle) was a 1999 disc entitling it as a ‘Marlin’.
The car’s registration number is OUR 905L and I would be most interested if it has a history. It does not appear in the ‘Definitive List of Trials Prepared Marlins’ although it may well be one whose registration is unknown.
It was quite clearly set up for trialling with 14” wheels and deep tread tyres, unquestionably illegal, and high suspension. However, although the interior needs a great deal of tlc, mechanically and externally it is in very good condition. I started the ‘tlc’ from the back working towards the front: painting underneath and the interior, new lubrication, battery and plugs. On my arrival at the front the engine started, with much coaxing which included a new coil, and runs very smoothly. I then retraced my steps towards the back only to find that the clutch slave cylinder needed repair. After much dismantling (how much is the gap between gearbox and driver’s bulkhead supposed to be?) and reassembling it was ready for an MOT on 1st June, the first since 2009. (I had hit my deadline.) The MOT failure was due, in the main, to poor, uneven brakes. A quick dismantle and clean gave me high hopes for the re-test but again it failed due to a greater unevenness of the braking system although all were showing better performance. June and July are historically very busy months so not until August could I completely disassemble the brakes, fit new components and make good again. And so at the end of August it has passed its MOT.
I am sure members will be interested to know that it has an 1800tc ‘B series’ engine (although there is a cast “O” on the rear of the head!) with a four speed gearbox linked to a 4.55:1 differential with 4.5” pcd securing 14” wheels. Pointing, again, towards a trialling background.
Am I correct in thinking there are few Roadsters with this set up still out there? Is it Ital based?
Insurance and licensing will follow shortly but again, historically, September is a busy month so the planned full interior update, including a new dashboard and wiring loom (possibly) will not be immediate. But at least I will be able to drive it in what is left of the summer!
Brian
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